Dean Elgar, retiring after the Test series against India, will captain the South African squad in place of injured Temba Bavuma. Cricket South Africa announced Bavuma's absence from the final Test due to a hamstring strain. Elgar previously led the team during India's tour of South Africa in 2021-22, where they made a comeback from 0-1 to win the series 2-1. Zubayr Hamza will replace Bavuma in the squad for the final Test in Cape Town, starting on January 3. Elgar has commanded the Proteas on previous occasions, including the most recent Test series when India toured South Africa.