Temba Bavuma praises India’s squad

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma stated, that the absence of fast bowler Mohammed Shami from the South Africa Test series would have little impact on India. Before the first Test match, Bavuma lauded India's great team depth. South Africa will play India in a two-match Test series beginning on Boxing Day, December 26. India will have a nearly complete team in the Test series, with Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah returning for the first time since their ODI World Cup Final defeat.

Mohammed Shami, the lone top fast bowler absent from the squad, is staying back to recuperate from an ankle ailment. India was forced to make two late roster alterations. After Ishan Kishan withdrew for personal reasons, KS Bharat and Abhimanyu Easwaran were added to the team, and Ruturaj Gaikwad moved back to India to begin treatment for a finger injury.