India will start their India vs South Africa five T20I series matches against South Africa at Cuttack. They have the momentum of their 2-1 ODIs series win and also a good T20Is series performance in Australia. In the light of the T20 World Cup, the opening match is an ideal opportunity for India to go out and challenge their settled core against a fighting Proteas side.
Team News
With Hardik Pandya and Shubman Gill getting back into the squad from injury, the team management may still be adopt a cautious approach. India’s line-up seems strong, and hardly any of the players from the series in Australia who did well, are not going on.
Injuries & Return Dates
Hardik Pandya is slowly but surely getting back to full fitness after his Asia Cup injury and he is gearing up for a comeback. Likewise, Shubman Gill has also recovered from his recent injury. The team management might not risk Gill too much and hence limit his playing time in the series.
Team India Players to Watch
Suryakumar Yadav is probably India’s most dangerous T20I weapon. His 360-degree stroke play, fast scoring, and ability to conquer spin are the reasons why he is very important on a surface like Cuttack, which usually helps the bowlers. His recent good performance ensures India the early momentum in the middle overs.
Hardik Pandya is equally capable in both departments i.e. with the bat and the ball, where he is a power-hitter and a disciplined seam bowler, respectively. His return means not only the addition of a fit player to the squad but also of a leader who is especially useful in a match that would reward variations. His finishing ability becomes very important if South African pacers are to be taken on.
Expected Indian XI
Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav
Uncertainty: Shubman Gill
Injured: No one has been ruled out for the opener so far
