South Africa have been dealt a big blow ahead of the upcoming IND vs SA T20I series, with injury concerns ruling out two key players. The development has forced the management to change their squad partially, casting a doubt over their final playing combination in the series opener.
Two Key Players Ruled Out of T20I Series
Star top-order batter Tony de Zorzi and fast bowling talent Kwena Maphaka have been left out of the five-match T20I series against India. This was confirmed by Cricket South Africa themselves on their official X handle, highlighting the different injury issues that will see the duo ruled out of action.
While no replacement has been named for de Zorzi, the young pacer Lutho Sipamla has been added to the squad as a replacement for Maphaka.
Impact on the ODI Series Ahead of the T20Is
Tony de Zorzi will also miss the third ODI against India in Vizag on Saturday. He will be joined on the sidelines by fast bowler Nandre Burger, who is also suffering from a hamstring injury.
Cricket South Africa’s Official Statement
According to CSA:
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Nandre Burger had right hamstring discomfort while bowling in the second ODI.
Tony de Zorzi had some pain in the right hamstring area throughout his innings and could not continue further.
Scans confirmed both injuries, ruling them out of the third ODI.
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De Zorzi has also been ruled out of the entire five-match T20I series.
Kwena Maphaka has not recovered fully from a left hamstring injury and is thus excluded.
Further, CSA confirmed that Lutho Sipamla would join the T20I squad as Maphaka’s replacement.
Growing Challenges for South Africa in the IND vs SA Series
The Temba Bavuma-led squad has already been dealing with the absence of their premier fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, and Maphaka’s exclusion adds to their problems, especially considering his experience in Indian conditions through the IPL with MI and RR.
As a result, the side is now under additional pressure to reassess their pace attack and batting depth before the commencement of the high-intensity T20I series.
Updated South Africa T20I Squad for IND vs SA Series
Aiden Markram
Ottneil Baartman
Corbin Bosch
Dewald Brevis
Quinton de Kock (WK)
Donovan Ferreira
Reeza Hendricks
Marco Jansen
Keshav Maharaj
George Linde
David Miller
Lungi Ngidi
Anrich Nortje
Tristan Stubbs
Lutho Sipamla Conclusion Injuries have disrupted the squad balance of South Africa going into the IND vs SA T20I series, thus pegging back their campaign. The team will require heavy reliance on its bench strength and experienced performers to remain competitive against a very strong Indian side with key players missing.
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