India vs South Africa: India’s Rising Stars Set to Shine in T20I Series Against South Africa
As India enters a phase of transition, several second-line players, including Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, are eager to make a mark in the upcoming four-match T20I series against South Africa, starting Friday at Kingsmead, Durban. This series provides an ideal platform for them to step out from the shadows and prove their worth as first-choice players in the T20 format.
The Indian team is set to enter this rare transition, where several frontline soldiers are standing at the last few steps of their careers. Samson’s opportunity to open in the recent T20I series against Bangladesh saw him make a significant impact with a blistering 47-ball 111, strengthening his chance to be a regular opening choice in the post ‘Ro-Ko’ era. Likewise, Abhishek Sharma, who has shown glimpses of brilliance with a hundred against Zimbabwe, will be hoping to build consistency and secure his place in the squad, while also contributing with his left-arm spin.
Tilak Varma, who has not featured for India since January, will also look to regain his place with some solid performances, using his off-spin variety more regularly. Meanwhile, Jitesh Sharma, another wicketkeeper-batter, and spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who impressed against Bangladesh with five wickets, will be keen to push for higher ranks in the pecking order. Above the top, who impressed the selection committee surprisingly the most, Ramandeep Singh will have an eye on everyone because of his all-round efforts on-field.
The series offers a key test for India’s new-look pace attack, featuring youngsters like Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, Vyshak Vijaykumar, and Yash Dayal. Arshdeep and Avesh, both experienced at the top level, will lead the charge, while Vyshak and Dayal will aim to make their mark in their international debuts.
The senior players in the squad, including captain Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and Axar Patel, will look to deliver strong performances and guidance to the newcomers to help India recover from their recent home series loss to New Zealand. On the other hand, South Africa seeking revenge after losing the T20 World Cup final against India in June, the series promises to be an exciting contest. The match begins at 8:30 pm IST.
India Squad:
Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ramandeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Avesh Khan, Yash Dayal.
South Africa Squad:
Aiden Markram (C), Ottneil Baartman, Gerald Coetzee, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Patrick Kruger, Keshav Maharaj, David Miller, Mihlali Mpongwana, Nqaba Peter, Ryan Rickelton, Andile Simelane, Lutho Sipamla (3rd and 4th T20Is), Tristan Stubbs.
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