Rohit Sharma to skip white-ball fixtures in India's tour of South Africa
BCCI on Thursday announced India’s squads for the upcoming tour of South Africa that comprises three T20Is, three ODIs and two Tests
The biggest surprise of them all was Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli skipping the white-ball leg of the tour, especially since many had expected Rohit to assume charge in the T20Is
Instead, Suryakumar Yadav will continue as India’s T20I skipper in the absence of the injured Hardik Pandya
KL Rahul, meanwhile, has been named captain for the three ODIs, a role that he had performed in India’s previous tour of South Africa in 2021-22 as well
Senior pros Yuzvendra Chahal and Sanju Samson return to the side after being overlooked for the World Cup and the T20I series against Australia
The selectors have also included uncapped players B Sai Sudharsan and Rajat Patidar, who have made a mark in the IPL, in the ODI squad
The tour of South Africa will also be India head coach Rahul Dravid’s first assignment since the BCCI extended his contract after the ICC World Cup