Du Plessis, Van der Dussen return for India ODIs

Batting mainstays Faf du Plessis and Rassie van der Dussen have been recalled to the South Africa ODI squad for the three-match series in India. Left-arm spinner George Linde has also been named for the first time in the 15-man squad in place of first-choice spinner Tabraiz Shamsi, who is awaiting the birth of his child. The 28-year-old has so far played just a solitary Test for South Africa which came in India last year.

Du Plessis hasn't played for South Africa in the 50-over format since the World Cup and was rested for the home series against England and Australia. During this period, he also quit captaincy handing over the reigns to Quinton de Kock. Van der Dussen, who cemented his spot in the middle order last year, featured in the ODIs against England but has been rested for the ongoing series against Australia.

In the absence of these two batsmen, Heinrich Klaasen registered his first ODI century and debutant Kyle Verreynne made a vital contribution in their side's impressive win over Australia in the first ODI. Both the batsmen have retained their spots and so have Keshav Maharaj and Lutho Sipamla. Janneman Malan, who made his debut on Saturday (February 29) at Paarl, has been dropped.

"It is exciting to see the amount of competition for spots that we have within the team and in the franchises, it's a good headache for us as selectors to have," CSA Independent Selector, Linda Zondi said. "We are satisfied with our picks for what will certainly be a challenging tour of India. We saw some promising performances last year from the T20 squad that travelled there and we wanted to give a player like George Linde another crack at the conditions which seemed to really suit him."

: Quinton de Kock (C & WK), Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, Faf du Plessis, Kyle Verreynne, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Jon-Jon Smuts, Andile Phehlukwayo, Lundi Ngidi, Lutho Sipamla, Beuran Hendricks, Anrich Nortje, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj