Van der Dussen to Captain South Africa's Revamped Squad in T20I Tri-Series Featuring Zimbabwe and New Zealand

Rassie van der Dussen has been named captain of a revamped South African squad for the upcoming T20I tri-series in Harare, featuring New Zealand and Zimbabwe.

Rassie van der Dussen will lead SA in the absence of regular skipper Aiden Markram © Getty

Van der Dussen's appointment comes as Aiden Markram and several other senior players are being rested to manage their workload. This series presents an opportunity for new talent to emerge.

The squad includes exciting young opener Lhuan-dre Pretorius, who impressed in the SA20 league. Corbin Bosch, already experienced in ODIs and Tests, is set to make his T20I debut. Rubin Hermann and Senuran Muthusamy are also among the uncapped players selected.

South Africa's pace attack receives a boost with the return of Nandre Burger and Gerald Coetzee, both recovering from injuries and currently participating in MLC. Dewald Brevis is also set to make his comeback after a two-year absence from the national side.

Shukri Conrad will be at the helm for his first T20I assignment as the all-format coach. The tri-series begins on July 14 with South Africa facing Zimbabwe, and the final is scheduled for July 26.

According to Conrad, "This T20I tri-series marks the start of our preparation for next year's T20 World Cup. With several senior players rested as part of their workload management, it creates space for these players to step in and show what they can offer, and bring them into contention for World Cup selection."

He added, "Lhuan-dre and Rubin have been rewarded for their outstanding domestic form in the SA20 and we're excited to see how they adapt to the demands of international cricket. We know what Corbin has to offer at this level and we are keen to see how his Test and ODI skills will translate to the T20I arena."

South Africa Squad for T20I Tri-Series:

Rassie van der Dussen (c), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Reeza Hendricks, Rubin Hermann, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Andile Simelane