South Africa strong despite conspicuous absentees

Dane van Niekerk, Temba Bavuma, and Kagiso Rabada are giants in South African cricket, yet their absences haven't derailed team results.

Van Niekerk retired in March 2023 with a strong record as captain. Since then, South Africa has reached three World Cup finals across formats.

Bavuma missed the Rawalpindi Test last month due to a calf injury, yet South Africa won. He also missed the Lahore Test, which Pakistan dominated.

Rabada was absent from the Eden Park Test last week with a rib problem, but South Africa won a low-scoring thriller. He is also out of the Guwahati Test starting tomorrow, which may challenge South Africa's bid for three consecutive Test wins in Asia.

Coach Shukri Conrad emphasized belief in the squad: "You've got to instill a belief that whatever XI you put on the field has the ability to win the match. We just get on with it. Whatever the obstacles are, we find a way."

Van Niekerk, who last played an ODI in September 2021, retired amid fitness controversies but has since played for franchises in Australia, England, and Hong Kong. In October 2024, she began a comeback with Western Province, scoring consistently in list A matches and a recent T20, leading to her recall for the white-ball home series against Ireland from December 5 to 19.

Coach Mandla Mashimbyi stated: "Her call-up is based on performances in the last two seasons. She has a legacy and a second chance. I want her to focus on winning games." On fitness, he added: "You have to look like a cricketer, move like a cricketer, and think like a cricketer. From what I've seen, she's able to do that."

Van Niekerk's reintegration, including with her wife Marizanne Kapp in the squad, will be closely watched.

Meanwhile, Bavuma's team aims for a rare Test series win in India, with the Guwahati pitch expected to be "a traditional subcontinental pitch," good for batting initially before spinners come into play. Bavuma noted the toss advantage but said it wouldn't be as decisive as in Kolkata, where South Africa's spinners took 12 wickets and Bavuma's unbeaten 55 was crucial in victory.

Despite Rabada's absence, Bavuma's presence in Guwahati is vital for South Africa's chances.