Du Plessis dropped in favour of Kallis from Proteas ODI squad for home series against India, Pak

Veteran South Africa player Jacques Kallis has reportedly been included in the squad for the three-match ODI series against both Pakistan and India taking place in November and December respectively, although batsman Faf du Plessis had to drop out from the squad.

Kallis, a veteran of 321 matches in the 50 overs format, played his last ODI against New Zealand in February 2012.

According to Sport24, Cricket South Africa (CSA) has named a 14-man squad for the series and CSA selection convener Andrew Hudson said that the return of Kallis means that Du Plessis had to be axed from the squad.

Stating that it is a welcome news for them to have Kallis back as their premium all-rounder, Hudson also said that there is no substitute for the experience he brings to the game, adding that the experience will be a crucial part of the development of young batting talents like Quinton de Kock and David Miller.

Hudson further said that Test captain Graeme Smith has also returned to the squad after making a complete recovery from his injury, adding that they have dropped Robin Peterson from the squad in favour of Imran Tahir, who is in outstanding form, as they are unlikely to use more than one specialist spinner in a home series.

South Africa's ODI squad: AB de Villiers (captain), Hashim Amla, De Kock, JP Duminy, Tahir, Kallis, Ryan McLaren, Miller, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Vernon Philander, Smith, Dale Steyn, Lonwabo Tsotsobe.