The BCCI selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar on Thursday (November 30) announced Team India’s Test squad for the upcoming tour of South Africa.

India’s all-format tour of South Africa includes a couple of Test matches. Centurion will host the opening Test from December 26 to December 30, while the second Test will be held in Cape Town from January 3 to January 7.

Rohit Sharma will continue to lead the Test side whereas KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer are set to make a comeback in red-ball cricket after a long injury lay-off.

Ajinkya Rahane, who made a return to the Test team during the WTC final earlier this year, has been dropped from the side. Veteran campaigner Cheteshwar Pujara failed to cut as well.

Star batter Virat Kohli features in the 16-member squad, also including Shubman Gill and young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who impressed one and all in his debut series against the West Indies in July this year.

Ruturaj Gaikwad retained his place in the Test squad as well. Ishan Kishan is the designated wicketkeeper in the squad alongside Rahul.

Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah will resume playing Test cricket in South Africa for the first time after recovering from back surgery. Mohammad Shami and Mohammed Siraj are the other pace-bowling options in the squad alongside all-rounder Shardul Thakur. Mukesh Kumar also retained his place in the squad as a reserve pacer.

Prasidh Krishna is another fast bowler in the squad as Shami's participation is subject to fitness.

"Mr Mohd. Shami is currently undergoing medical treatment and his availability is subject to fitness," BCCI said in a statement.

Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin are the two premier spinners in the squad.

India Squad for South Africa Tests:

Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan (wk), KL Rahul (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Mohammad Shami*, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Prasidh Krishna.