Team India’s South Africa tour: Gill in, Jadeja waiting, Chahar uncertain

New Delhi: Team India’s arrival in Durban for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa has brought both excitement and concerns as key players are yet to join the squad. While young sensation Shubman Gill showed off his presence at the Kingsmead Cricket Stadium via Instagram Story, vice-captain Ravindra Jadeja is currently in Europe, delaying his inclusion in the squad.

The absence of Deepak Chahar, who is battling a family issue, has added uncertainty to India’s pace attack. Despite this, no replacement has been named for the talented fast bowler, who is also part of the ODI squad.

According to reports, the entire team is expected to assemble before the first T20 match on December 10. However, the timeline for Jadeja’s arrival and Chahar’s return remains uncertain. The BCCI has given permission to those joining now, ensuring that the team will have its full strength for the start of the series.

Selectors SS Das and Salil Ankola are set to join the Indian squad in South Africa, marking an intense schedule spanning T20Is, ODIs, Tests and India A games. This is India’s first overseas bilateral tour since December last year, with the focus primarily on the fifty-over format in preparation for the 2023 World Cup. Despite a heart-breaking defeat in the final at the hands of Australia on November 19, Team India is keen to make a mark as they begin a challenging and action-packed series in South Africa.