In a significant setback for the Indian cricket team gearing up for the upcoming two-Test series against South Africa, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed on Saturday (December 16) that fast bowling stalwart Mohammed Shami will be sidelined due to an ankle injury. Shami’s inclusion in the squad was contingent on fitness clearance, which unfortunately was not granted. The 33-year-old seamer, boasting an impressive record of 229 wickets from 64 Tests at an average of 27.71, was instrumental in India’s previous tour to South Africa in 2021-22, emerging as the leading wicket-taker with 14 scalps in three Tests at an average of 21.
This setback leaves India without a key asset as they aim to clinch their first Test series victory in South Africa. While no replacement has been named for Shami, the team has an array of fast bowlers to choose from, including Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Shardul Thakur, and Prasidh Krishna.
Ahead of the Test series, India is scheduled to play three ODIs against South Africa. However, they will be without swing bowler Deepak Chahar, who has withdrawn from the squad due to a family emergency. Bengal seamer Akash Deep is set to replace Chahar in the ODI squad.
In addition to the bowling concerns, middle-order batsman Shreyas Iyer is set to miss two ODIs after participating in the opening match in Johannesburg. He will instead engage in an intra-squad red-ball practice match to prepare for the upcoming Test series.
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The coaching dynamics for the ODI series will see the absence of India’s head coach Rahul Dravid, along with the coaching staff comprising Paras Mhambrey (bowling coach), Vikram Rathour (batting coach), and T. Dilip (fielding coach). This coaching quartet will focus on overseeing the red-ball practice game and preparations for the Test series. The ODI team will be under the guidance of the ‘A’ team coaching staff, including batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, bowling coach Rajib Datta, and fielding coach Ajay Ratra.
As India faces these challenges, the cricketing world eagerly anticipates how the team will navigate the hurdles in pursuit of success on South African soil.