Temba Bavuma will resume his role as South Africa’s Test captain for next month’s two-match series against India, marking his return from a calf injury that kept him out of the away series against Pakistan.

Cricket South Africa confirmed a 15-man squad that blends experience with emerging talent.

Coach Shukri Conrad has retained most of the players who drew 1-1 with Pakistan, saying the group: “earned the right to build on that performance” while recognising the challenge of Indian conditions. Bavuma’s comeback is seen as crucial to stabilising the batting order and providing leadership on a difficult subcontinental tour.

South Africa will travel with three spinners – Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer, and Senuran Muthusamy – alongside pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada and allrounders Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder. Dewald Brevis, Corbin Bosch, and Tristan Stubbs are among the younger players included as the selectors continue to invest in the next generation.

The first Test begins on 14 November in Kolkata, followed by the second in Guwahati which starts on 22 November. The series will be South Africa’s first in India since 2019, when they were comprehensively beaten 3-0, and Bavuma has emphasised the need for: “discipline and adaptability” if the side is to compete this time around.

Squad: Temba Bavuma (capt.), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne.