India will want to conclude its Twenty20 World Cup preparations with a significant improvement in their death bowling, in addition to providing crucial game time to its untested players in the three-match series against South Africa that begins here on Wednesday.
Following India’s victory in the series against Australia, Indian captain Rohit Sharma, as was to be anticipated, singled out death bowling as an area in which there is room for improvement.
Hardik Pandya and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, two of the most crucial bowlers for the Indians, have been rested ahead of next month’s ICC tournament.
Mohammed Shami, who is one of the reserves for the World Cup, has not yet recovered from COVID-19, and as a result, he won’t be able to play in any of the three games against the Proteas. Previously, he was unable to play against Australia.
Harshal Patel didn’t have the best time in his comeback series against Australia, but in the last three games before the World Cup, he will be expected to be back to his best.
Deepak Chahar, who is also on standby for the World Cup, did not play in the last series, but he may have an opportunity if the team chooses to rotate its pacers throughout the three games.
Along with Jasprit Bumrah, who will be trying to regain his full rhythm following his comeback from injury, Arshdeep Singh will be back to help the team’s resources in the slog overs.
After appearing flat in the first two games of the series against Australia, Yuzvendra Chahal showed what he is capable of doing when the ball is gripping and turning in the series decider against Australia. The tricky leg-spinner will be seeking to improve his performance on docile surfaces while keeping in mind the conditions that exist in Australia.
As Rohit emphasised the importance of of giving game time for all players ahead of the World Cup, R Ashwin may have an opportunity to play.
After being rested for the last two matches against Australia, KL Rahul will want to make the most of the opportunities he has in the batting department during these three matches.
With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma seeming to be in fine form, it is essential that Rahul be in top form before the squad departs for Australia.
In the match against Australia, Dinesh Karthik faced all eight balls, and Rohit has previously said that the designated finisher in the team needs more time in the middle. Deepak Hooda, who is set to play for India in the World Cup, will end up missing all the six games prior to the tournament as he has been ruled out of the South Africa T20s due to a back ailment. It is anticipated that Shreyas Iyer will replace Hooda in the squad.
Squads for India and South Africa:
South Africa
Temba Bavuma (captain), Quinton de Kock, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Wayne Parnell, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Rilee Rossouw, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs.
India:
Rohit Sharma (captain), KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Dinesh Karthik (wicket-keeper), R. Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Harshal Patel, Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah.
The match will begin at 7 PM IST.
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