From competing against each other a week or so back, the second-string Indian team will go head to head against South Africa in a 5 match T-20 series. Not only does this serve as a dress rehearsal for the upcoming T-20 World Cup in Australia later this year, but this might also serve as the last chance for a few players to make the flight for the WCT20 Squad.
As far as the South African team goes, they are here to prove that the win against India in South Africa was no fluke and they are a force to be reckoned with. With Captain Temba Bavuma, IPL veterans in Quinton De Kock, David Miller, Kagiso Rabada, Debutant Tristant Stubbs & Marco Jansen, and making a comeback to the squad after last playing a T20I international in 2017 Wayne Parnell, will be eager to show what they are made of.
India T20I Team
With big names like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah and Jadeja missing, India still has a good mixture of experience and youth coming into this series.
The mighty impressive KL Rahul is set to captain the squad after leading his IPL franchise to the Eliminator. He will also have mighty help from IPL 2022 winning captain Hardik Pandya who is also making his comeback to the Indian Set-up along with Dinesh Karthik, Yuzvender Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav.
All eyes would definitely be on Umran Malik and Arshdeep Singh, given their impressive performances in the IPL. The same would go for Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav (Kul-Cha) who have not only knocked on the door but broken it open with their performances in the IPL with Chahal winning the Purple Cap picking up 27 wickets (Highest for a spinner in the IPL)
Sanju Samson would feel hard done by, given his mighty impressive run in the IPL as captain and batsman, taking Rajasthan Royals to the Finals. This also is a huge series for Rishab Pant, Harshal Patel and Ishan Kishan as they would want to put in strong performances, and book their spot for the WCT20 Squad, later this year.
India Squad: KL Rahul (c), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, Deepak Hooda, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (VC/Wk), Dinesh Karthik (wk), Hardik Pandya, Venkatesh Iyer, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik
South Africa T20I Team
One name that is missing from the South African squad is the Teenage sensation Dewald Brevis. When asked about his absence, Captain Temba Bavuma said they are not looking to rush him so quickly as he is still quite young.
Temba Bavuma was mighty impressive against India in the series played back home. He will not be short of options given the majority of the squad were already present in India for the IPL and will be hoping they fire on all cylinders from the get-go.
A Lot of responsibility will fall on the shoulders of Quinton De Kock, Aiden Markram, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje and arguably the man of the moment David Miller, who is not only back in form but also has played a huge role in Gujarat Titans winning their Maiden IPL title.
Along with David Miller, there will also be eyes on Marco Jansen who has impressed one and all at the IPL 2022. He has had the measure of Indian batsmen right since the Test matches, and given his height, pace and being a left-arm fast bowler, it will be a challenge for Indian Batsmen who have struggled with left-hand pace in the past.
Even though this South African squad seems to be one in transition, they have some quality and proven match-winners who can beat any team on their day. They will be watchful of the Indian bowling unit who seem in mighty impressive form, and also high on confidence.
This series will be very crucial for South Africa as a squad, going into the WCT20. The players have a lot at stake given the recent controversies that have surrounded South African Fun88 in the recent past.
South Africa Squad: Temba Bavuma (c), Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Wayne Parnell, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen, Marco Jansen
India vs South Africa – Who will win the T20I Series?
Currently, India hold the 12-0 record for most consecutive wins in T20Is and will be looking forward to edging their name in history by not only making 13 wins but also taking revenge for the disappointing loss back in South Africa.
As far as South Africa are concerned, they will not go down without a fight. Not only would they want to display their full arsenal, but also want to beat India in India.
Given that this Indian team is still missing a few of their big match players, they have the experience and quality to overcome the impressive South African side.
We predict India would beat South Africa 4-1 in this 5-match T20I series.
For in-depth T20 analysis and detailed info about how to utilize our match predictions, check out our T20 Match Prediction today.
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