Temba Bavuma is expected to miss the Proteas’ T20I and ODI series against India this month.

Rapport newspaper reports that the opening batsman will be given a break to ensure he is ready for the two-match Test series.

T20I captain Aiden Markram will lead the ODI team in Bavuma’s absence.

Quinton de Kock will not be available for the T20I series as he will be playing for the Melbourne Renegades in Australia’s Big Bash League. De Kock retired from ODI cricket after the recent World Cup.

The Proteas squads for the T20I, ODI and Test series against India will be named on Monday.

Meanwhile, former Proteas captain Faf du Plessis will have to wait until March to be offered a new “hybrid contract” by CSA, which is still busy finalising them.

These contracts would allow “freelance” players like Du Plessis to be contracted by CSA for specific formats or series, while continuing to play in lucrative T20 franchise tournaments around the world.

Du Plessis has recovered from elbow surgery and is playing in the T10 tournament in Abu Dhabi.

“My focus now is on getting my elbow right after my operation, and playing good cricket,” he told Rapport. “If I’m still in the mix by then [March] with a contract option, we can look again [at an international comeback].”

South Africa vs India fixtures:

1st T20I: Sunday, 10 December, Kingsmead, Durban
2nd T20I: Tuesday, 12 December, St George’s Park, Gqeberha
3rd T20I: Thursday, 14 December, Wanderers, Johannesburg

1st ODI: Sunday, 17 December, Wanderers, Johannesburg
2nd ODI: 19 December, St George’s Park, Gqeberha
3rd ODI: 21 December, Boland Park, Paarl

1st Test: 26 December – 30 December, SuperSport Park, Centurion
2nd Test: 3 January – 7 January, Newlands, Cape Town

ALSO: Three India captains for SA tour

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