Ishan Kishan, the left-handed wicketkeeper-batsman, has withdrawn from India's Test squad for the South Africa series due to personal reasons. KS Bharat has been named as his replacement. Kishan made his Test debut earlier in 2023 during the West Indies tour. Bharat has played five Tests, making his debut in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia in February. Currently captaining India 'A,' Bharat is already in South Africa for the ongoing four-day games against South Africa 'A.' He will also participate in the intra-squad game in Pretoria from December 20-22. The Test series between India and South Africa is scheduled for December 26-30 in Centurion and January 3-7, 2024, in Cape Town.
Key Points:
1. Ishan Kishan has withdrawn from India's Test squad for the South Africa series due to personal reasons.
2. KS Bharat has been named as the replacement wicketkeeper-batsman in the Test squad.
3. Kishan made his Test debut in July 2023 during the West Indies tour, scoring 78 runs in two matches.
4. Bharat, who has played five Tests, made his debut in the 2022 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia.
5. Bharat is already in South Africa as the captain of India 'A' side playing four-day games against South Africa 'A.'
6. Bharat will also be part of the intra-squad game in Pretoria from December 20-22.
7. With Bharat joining the Test squad, India 'A' will need a new captain for the third four-day match.
8. India's two Tests against South Africa are scheduled for December 26-30 in Centurion and January 3-7, 2024, in Cape Town.
9. The series is part of the 2023-2025 World Test Championship cycle.
10. India aims to secure its first-ever Test series win in South Africa.
(With Agency Inputs)
