South Africa has announced its T20I squad for the upcoming five-match series in India, featuring the return of fast bowler Anrich Nortje. This marks Nortje's first international game since the 2024 T20 World Cup final held in Barbados. The squad is nearly complete as South Africa prepares for the T20 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka next year. Aiden Markram, who has also recently returned from an absence, will captain the T20I team. The lineup includes notable players such as Ottneil Baartman, Test regulars Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, and Tristan Stubbs.

In addition, Temba Bavuma will lead the ODI squad, having missed the previous white-ball series in Pakistan along with Markram. While Nortje will not participate in the ODI matches, former captain Quinton de Kock has made a resurgence by reversing his international retirement and has been selected for both the T20I and ODI teams.

Kagiso Rabada will not be available for this series as he is undergoing rehabilitation for a rib injury after the Guwahati Test. His absence is acknowledged by head coach Shukri Conrad, who remains optimistic about the depth and talent of the squad. Conrad shared insights on the importance of this white-ball tour, emphasizing the need to refine their lineup in anticipation of the T20 World Cup.

Conrad highlighted Nortje's valuable experience, noting the significance of his return to the T20 setup after previous injury setbacks. He expressed confidence in the squad's ability to adapt and rise to the occasion, saying last-minute opportunities allow emerging players to establish themselves.

The upcoming ODI matches are scheduled to take place in Ranchi, Raipur, and Vizag from November 30 to December 6. The T20I series is set to commence on December 9 across various venues including Cuttack, Mullanpur, Dharamsala, Lucknow, and concluding in Ahmedabad. These matches serve as crucial preparation as South Africa gears up for significant tournaments on the international stage.