South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma will miss the opening ODI against Pakistan in Paarl on Tuesday as part of a strategic move to manage his workload ahead of the crucial two-Test series.
Aiden Markram has been named stand-in captain for the first match, with Bavuma expected to return for the remainder of the series.
The decision underscores South Africa's efforts to balance player workload and readiness as they prepare for major upcoming tournaments, including the Champions Trophy 2025 and the pivotal Test series.
The red-ball series carries significant importance as South Africa aims to secure a spot in the World Test Championship final.
Eight players from South Africa's ODI squad, including Bavuma, Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, and Kagiso Rabada, were part of the recent 2-0 Test series triumph over Sri Lanka.
The team management remains particularly cautious about managing their fast bowlers due to ongoing injury concerns in the pace department.
Several key bowlers are either unavailable or recovering from injuries.
Wiaan Mulder is recovering from a broken finger and hopes to return for the Boxing Day Test. Lungi Ngidi is sidelined until January due to a hip injury.
Gerald Coetzee is out with a groin issue and is also expected to return in January. Nandre Burger will miss the entire season due to a lower back stress fracture.
Anrich Nortje is unavailable because of a broken toe and has withdrawn from red-ball cricket to focus on overcoming recurring injuries.
Proteas captain Temba Bavuma addressed the team's strategy amid injury concerns.
"Not everyone that we'd normally call upon is around because of injuries," Bavuma said.
"We've got bowlers within the squad, so we'd like to give guys opportunities, rest certain players, and try to balance it out as best as we can."
