South Africa has officially named its squads for the upcoming tour of India, with Anrich Nortje making a long-awaited return to the T20I side and veteran Quinton de Kock named in both the ODI and T20I lineups. The announcement, made by Cricket South Africa on November 21, 2025, sets the stage for a high-stakes bilateral series that runs from November 14 to December 19, 2025. The tour includes two Tests, three ODIs, and five T20Is — all crucial for team building ahead of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027South Africa. For fans who’ve watched Nortje’s pace and aggression fade from the T20I scene due to injury, his return is more than a selection — it’s a statement.
ODI Squad: Bavuma Leads, De Kock Returns
Temba Bavuma remains captain of the ODI side, a role he’s held with quiet authority since taking over from Kagiso Rabada. The 15-member squad blends experience and emerging talent. Quinton de Kock, who stepped away from ODIs in 2023 to focus on T20s and franchise cricket, is back as wicketkeeper-batsman — a move that signals a shift in strategy. His presence adds leadership and match-winning firepower at the top, especially with the pressure of playing in Indian conditions.The squad also includes Rubin Hermann, the 22-year-old batter who made his international debut just nine days before the squad announcement, against Pakistan at the Wanderers. His inclusion is a vote of confidence from coach Shukri Conrad, who said: "We’re not just picking players — we’re building a culture of resilience. Hermann’s calm under pressure reminded us of the young AB de Villiers." The squad also features all-rounders like Marco Jansen and Aiden Markram, who’ll be vital in managing spin-heavy Indian pitches.
T20I Squad: Nortje’s Comeback and Depth in Pace
The T20I squad is even more intriguing. At 16 players, it’s a sign of flexibility — and perhaps a hint at rotation strategy. Anrich Nortje returns after missing the last two T20I series due to a shoulder injury. His 150+ kph deliveries could be the X-factor against India’s aggressive top order. "We know exactly what he brings," Conrad said in Johannesburg. "He doesn’t just bowl fast — he unsettles batters. That’s rare."
The squad also includes Tristan Stubbs and Dewald Brevis, two explosive batters who’ve lit up the SA20 league. David Miller, 35, remains the veteran finisher — a role he’s perfected over 15 years. And while Keshav Maharaj and George Linde are the spin options, the real story is the pace battery: Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen, and Ottneil Baartman — all capable of hitting the deck hard.
Series Schedule: Testing Grounds Across India
The three ODIs begin on November 30, 2025, at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi, followed by Raipur’s Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium on December 3, and finally Visakhapatnam’s Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium on December 6. These are not traditional venues — they’re chosen to test adaptability. Ranchi’s slow pitch, Raipur’s low bounce, and Visakhapatnam’s humid air will demand tactical nuance.
The five T20Is start on December 9 at Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, then move to Chandigarh’s Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium on December 11. The remaining three venues — rumored to be Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and Delhi — are still unconfirmed. The BCCI is reportedly holding back on finalizing them to manage crowd logistics and broadcast rights.
India’s Response: Rahul in Charge, Iyer Out
India announced their squads on November 23, 2025. KL Rahul leads the ODI side, with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma both in the mix — a rare overlap of three generational stars. But the absence of Shreyas Iyer due to a rib injury is a blow. He was set to be vice-captain after Shubman Gill’s promotion during the Australia tour. His absence opens the door for Tilak Varma or Ruturaj Gaikwad to step up.
For South Africa, the real challenge isn’t just beating India — it’s proving they’re a serious contender for the 2027 World Cup. The Tests — starting at Eden Gardens in Kolkata after the venue was shifted from Delhi in June — are part of the 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship. A series win there would be monumental.
Why This Tour Matters
South Africa hasn’t won a bilateral series in India since 2010. The last ODI series there ended 3-0 to India. The T20Is? They’ve lost five straight since 2021. This isn’t just about pride — it’s about credibility. The team’s depth is being tested. Can de Kock rediscover his ODI form? Will Nortje’s return ignite the bowling attack? Can young batters like Hermann and Brevis handle the spin of Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav?
Coach Conrad’s words echo: "We’re not just preparing for India. We’re preparing for Brisbane, for Johannesburg, for the World Cup." Every ball bowled, every run scored in these next six weeks will be a data point in a much larger project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Anrich Nortje’s return such a big deal for South Africa’s T20I team?
Nortje’s pace — consistently hitting 150+ kph — gives South Africa a rare weapon in T20s, where most teams rely on variations. His return adds raw power to a bowling unit that’s struggled to break partnerships in the powerplay. In the 2024 T20 World Cup, teams that had a genuine 150kph bowler won 70% of their matches. Nortje’s absence last year cost South Africa crucial early wickets.
What makes Quinton de Kock’s inclusion in both squads significant?
De Kock’s return to ODIs after a two-year break signals a tactical pivot. He’s one of the few South African batters who can dominate spin early — crucial in Indian conditions. His leadership and experience will stabilize a middle order that’s been inconsistent since Faf du Plessis retired. He’s also the only current player with over 20 ODI centuries.
Why were non-traditional venues chosen for the ODI series?
The BCCI and CSA are testing how teams adapt to lesser-known pitches. Ranchi, Raipur, and Visakhapatnam have slower, lower-bouncing tracks that favor spin and patience — a stark contrast to the fast, true surfaces of Johannesburg or Melbourne. This prepares South Africa for future World Cup matches in similar conditions, like those in Sri Lanka or Bangladesh.
How does this tour impact South Africa’s World Cup 2027 chances?
Winning in India would be South Africa’s biggest ODI achievement in 15 years. It proves they can compete under pressure on the toughest pitches. The 2027 World Cup will be hosted in South Africa, so momentum matters. A strong showing here boosts confidence, attracts sponsors, and helps secure home advantage in the group stage.
Is there any concern about player workload during this packed schedule?
Yes. With two Tests, three ODIs, and five T20Is in just 36 days, rotation is critical. Players like Aiden Markram and Marco Jansen are likely to miss at least one format. CSA’s medical team has been working with the BCCI to schedule rest days between matches, but the condensed timeline remains risky — especially for bowlers like Nortje returning from injury.
What’s the significance of Rubin Hermann’s inclusion in the ODI squad?
Hermann’s debut against Pakistan was just nine days before selection — a rare fast-track into international cricket. His calm 78* in that match, against a pace-heavy attack, showed he can handle pressure. His inclusion suggests South Africa is betting on youth over experience in the middle order, especially with de Kock anchoring the top. He’s the future, and this tour is his audition.