Picture Credit: CSA/BCCI
While India's tour of England had a rather anti-climatic end with the final Test getting called off, their next bilateral overseas assignment has already been confirmed. India will travel to South Africa for a mega all-format series set to begin on December 17. The tour will see the two teams play three Test matches followed by three ODIs from January 11, 20222 and four T20Is beginning on January 19 next year.
"It is probably the most congested home summer we have ever had," said CSA Director of Cricket Graeme Smith.
"It is wonderful in these challenging times that there will be such high-quality cricket being played on our shores. This includes a full tour by India across all three formats," he added after Cricket South Africa's home season was announced.
India tour of South Africa 2021-22: Fixtures as confirmed by CSA
1st Test in Johannesburg – December 17 to 21
2nd Test in Centurion – December 26 to 30
3rd Test in Johannesburg – January 3 to 7
1st ODI in Paarl – January 11
2nd ODI in Cape Town – January 14
3rd ODI in Cape Town – January 16
1st T20I in Cape Town – January 19
2nd T20I in Cape Town – January 21
3rd T20I in Paarl – January 23
4th T20I in Paarl – January 26
Also Read: South Africa vs India series: All you need to know
Here is South Africa's complete domestic schedule:
India have never won a Test series in South Africa
Other than India, South Africa will also host Netherlands who will be on its shores in late November for a three-match ODI series.
"The ODI series against the Netherlands and Bangladesh form part of the Cricket World Cup Super League while the Test Series against India and Bangladesh form part of the World Test Championship which will provide greater context to our home international fixtures," Smith said.
While India have beaten Australia in the Test series in 2020-21, they would be pleased with their performance in England where they were 2-1 up with one Test to go. However, the Indian team has never won a Test series in South Africa. But given the home team is going through a very poor phase in terms of form and consistency, India would fancy their chances of their maiden Test series win in the rainbow nation when touring them this year.