Captain Temba Bavuma will miss South Africa’s 2023 World Cup warm-up matches against Afghanistan and New Zealand.
Bavuma has returned to South Africa from India due to “family reasons,” according to Cricket South Africa. Batsman Aiden Markram will captain the team in the absence of Bavuma.
Bavuma will rejoin the squad ahead of 7 October’s opening fixture against Sri Lanka in Delhi.
Last week, fast bowlers Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala were ruled out of the Proteas’ World Cup squad due to injury. They have been replaced by all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo and seamer Lizaad Williams.
The Proteas have competed in eight World Cups. They have never won the tournament, but have collected four semi-final and two quarter-final exits. In 2019, they failed to advance from the group stage.
England are the reigning Cricket World Cup champions. Australia are the most successful country in the history of the tournament with five titles.
South Africa will host the 2027 Cricket World Cup.