Ravindra Jadeja, Shubman Gill yet to join Team India in South Africa, Deepak Chahar to fly late

Ravindra-Jadeja. (Photo Source: Twitter)

India play the first of their three-match T20I series against South Africa on Sunday, December 10, in Durban. The Indian squad reached the Rainbow Nation on Wednesday, December 6, without Shubman Gill, Deepak Chahar, and vice-captain Ravindra Jadeja.

Gill and Jadeja were rested for the five-match T20I series against Australia as they were part of India’s gruelling ODI World Cup 2023 campaign. The Saurashtra all-rounder has been on a Europe tour while Gill is enjoying his holidays in the UK. They will arrive directly in Durban ahead of the first game and are expected to feature in the playing XI. The duo has been picked for the Test series as well but have been rested for the ODIs.

Meanwhile, Chahar, who has been picked in the white-ball squads, has also not travelled with the team. He left the India versus Australia series ahead of the last game owing to a medical emergency in his family. His father is believed to be ill, and there is no timeline yet on when the talented pacer will join the team. However, reports suggest that he will be with the ‘Men in Blue’ soon and therefore, no replacement has been announced yet.

All three players have taken necessary permission from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). A member of the support staff will also join late. However, everyone is expected to be with the squad before the first T20I.

Two selectors to travel to South Africa

BCCI is reportedly sending two selectors, SS Das and Salil Ankola to South Africa. Since arriving in Durban, the Indian contingent will have their first training session on Friday, December 8, at the Kingsmead ground.

The India ‘A’ team will also be playing three unofficial Tests against South Africa ‘A’, with the first game starting on Monday, December 11. There is a lot of exciting cricket to look forward to for cricket enthusiasts over the next few weeks.