Pretorius ignored, Nortje returns; Key talking points from SA's white-ball squads for IND tour

South Africa confirms squads for white-ball series vs India [Source: @Basithsaucy, @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]

South Africa announced full-strength squads for the upcoming ODI and T20I series against India. However, not many expected the selectors to be brutal.

From shocking omissions to long-awaited returns, the Proteas selectors have made it clear that they are not afraid of tough calls, even if some of those calls feel deeply controversial.

---

ALSO READ

Kuldeep Yadav keeps SA at bay despite big partnerships on Day 1 of Guwahati Test

---

Lhuan-dre Pretorius fails to find a place

(Table - Lhuan-dre Pretorius' stats across first class, List-A and ODIs)

The headline shock is the absence of Lhuan-dre Pretorius. At just 19, Pretorius has been one of the brightest young talents in South African white-ball cricket. 

His recent century against India A was a statement of intent. Even in first-class and List A cricket, he has an average of 58.17 and 47.94, respectively. 

In last year’s SA20 season, Pretorius scored 397 runs with three fifties. And yet, when the squads were named, his name was nowhere to be found. 

It feels like a moment where South Africa may have chosen safety over bravery. But head coach Conrad said South Africa have a long-term plan for the youngster, and this time, he misses out due to intense competition in the top-order.

David Miller, Tristan Stubbs mysteriously dropped from ODIs

(Table - Miller and Stubbs' stats in ODIs in 2025)

Equally surprising is the clean-out of senior batting firepower in the ODI squad. David Miller, long considered South Africa’s go-to finisher in ODIs, has been left out. 

So has Tristan Stubbs, one of the country’s most exciting modern batting talents. And perhaps most remarkably, Rassie van der Dussen, a player who has been the backbone of South Africa’s ODI middle order for years, has also been dropped.

This isn’t just rotation. This feels like a philosophical shift. Miller is ageing and has played only five ODIs in the last two years. 

Stubbs has also regressed in 2025, scoring just 143 runs in seven ODIs. Instead, South Africa has put more faith in Dewald Brevis and Matthew Breetzke.

Anrich Nortje returns, Rabada out with injury

While the batters have taken the brunt of the axe, the bowling attack tells a different story. The return of Anrich Nortje is a massive boost. 

After a frustrating period of injuries and uncertainty, Nortje finally makes a comeback into the T20I side. Notably, Nortje has been out of the 20-over setup since the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.

However, this optimism is tempered by the absence of Kagiso Rabada, who misses out due to injury. Rabada suffered from a rib injury during the Test series against India and will head for rehabilitation.

Temba Bavuma’s return as ODI captain and Aiden Markram’s leadership in the T20Is offer some continuity amid all the upheaval. Leadership, at least, remains stable while the team around them evolves.

What this selection ultimately reveals is a side standing at a crossroads.

South Africa aren’t just picking a team for a series. They’re testing the future. They’re challenging senior players, experimenting with combinations, and taking calculated risks. 

But leaving out someone as in-form as Pretorius, while trimming proven match-winners, makes this gamble feel especially bold.

South Africa's ODI squad: Temba Bavuma (c), Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Rubin Hermann, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Lungi Ngidi, Ryan Rickelton, Prenelan Subrayen

South Africa's T20I squad: Aiden Markram (c), Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Tristan Stubbs

---

ALSO READ

South Africa Pacer Anrich Nortje Ruled Out Of Action For Indefinite Period Due To Injury

---