[9] In August 2017, it was announced that the traditional Boxing Day Test at Kingsmead will not take place, as India's home series against Sri Lanka will not conclude until 24 December 2017.

He last played in a Test match for South Africa in November 2016 against Australia in Perth, where he suffered a shoulder injury.

[21][22][23] India ensured an ODI series victory after beating South Africa by 73 runs in the fifth match, after they had already won the first three fixtures.

[36] Temba Bavuma suffered a finger injury in a domestic one-day game and was ruled out of South Africa's squad ahead of the third and final Test.

[20][40] Aiden Markram was named as captain of South Africa for the remaining ODIs in du Plessis' absence.

[41] AB de Villiers was ruled out of South Africa's squad for the T20I series after suffering an injury before the fifth ODI match.