Wiaan Mulder Captains South Africa After Keshav Maharaj Injury vs Zimbabwe

South Africa faces a significant setback ahead of the second Test against Zimbabwe as captain and left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj has been ruled out due to a left groin strain sustained while batting in the first Test. Maharaj, who led South Africa to a commanding 328-run victory in the opener, will return home for further assessment, with Senuran Muthusamy named as his replacement. All-rounder Wiaan Mulder, who excelled in the first Test by taking wickets and scoring a century, will captain the Proteas in Maharaj's absence, marking the team's third captain in three Tests after Temba Bavuma was ruled out due to injury. Fast bowler Lungi Ngidi, initially expected to join for the second Test, has also been released to allow the current seamers another chance to build on their performances from the first match. South Africa aims to secure a 2-0 series win in Bulawayo despite these changes and the depletion of their squad following the recent World Test Championship final. The moves reflect Cricket South Africa's strategy to maintain momentum and test the depth of their squad in the ongoing series.