Big Jolt For South Africa Even Before T20I Series vs India Begins As Star Is Ruled Out

The Indian cricket team renews its rivalry with South Africa beginning with a T20I on Sunday. India will play all three formats on the Tour. South Africa, at home, have always been a great force and the Indian cricket team knows it well. This time India will have three captain - Rohit Sharma (Tests), KL Rahul (ODIs) and Suryakumar Yadav (T20Is). The white-ball teams of India bear a fresh look with veterans like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah being rested. Ahead of the T20I series, South Africa got a big shock as star pacer Lungi Ngidi was ruled out of the series.

"Proteas fast bowler Lungi Ngidi has been ruled out of the three-match KFC T20I series against India due to a left lateral ankle sprain. The 27-year-old has been released from the squad and will return to his provincial team where he will undergo his rehabilitation with the Momentum Multiply Titans under the supervision of the Proteas medical team," Cricket South Africa said in a release.

"Initially he was expected to play in the round of four-day matches from 14 - 17 December in preparation for the two-match Betway Test series but will instead be further assessed by the medical team on his progress. Western Province fast bowler Beuran Hendricks has been named as his replacement."

With three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Test matches lined up starting from 10th December, 2023, the Indian cricket team faces a multifaceted challenge in adapting to the diverse conditions of South Africa.

Speaking exclusively to Star Sports, former India cricketer Irfan Pathan spoke on what the Indian teams' mantra should be for the Test series against South Africa, he said: "Look, they have to search for that Mantra, and I think that the Mantra is in the new ball. When you