NEW DELHI
In a spectacular 4-1 victory over Australia in the recently concluded T20I series, Team India is now setting its sights on a challenging series against South Africa. The upcoming tour, beginning this Sunday, encompasses all three formats, commencing with T20 Internationals.
Ahead of the T20 World Cup, the team management has strategically focused on young talents, placing Suryakumar Yadav at the helm of a predominantly youthful squad.
Ravindra Jadeja will serve as his deputy, with Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, and Mohammed Siraj rounding out the core group. Notably, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will be absent from the white-ball format, with KL Rahul leading the charge in the 50-over format.
The tour will culminate with a two-match Test series, marking the return of Kohli and Rohit after the ODI World Cup. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami are set to rejoin the red-ball squad, promising an intense battle in the challenging South African conditions.
In the T20I history between India and South Africa from 2006 to 2022, the two teams have clashed 24 times. India emerged victorious in 13 matches, while South Africa secured 10 wins. Notably, India achieved a significant milestone by winning the ICC T20 World Cup in South Africa in 2007.
India’s recent T20 International form has been impressive, with four wins in their last five matches. Victories against Australia showcase the team’s resilience, with a 6-run win in Bengaluru on December 3, 2023, a 20-run triumph in Raipur on December 1, 2023, a 44-run victory in Thiruvananthapuram on November 26, 2023, and a close 2-wicket win in Visakhapatnam on November 23, 2023.
On the other hand, South Africa faced challenges in their recent T20 encounters, suffering defeats in four out of their last five matches. Despite setbacks, the team remains resilient and is determined to redefine its winning narrative.
In the bowling department, Mohammed Siraj and Kuldeep Yadav have been standout performers since the T20 World Cup 2022. Siraj boasts an exceptional economy rate of 5.12 in just eight overs, while Kuldeep’s economical performance adds depth to the team’s success.
South African stars David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen have displayed their prowess in T20 Internationals against India. Miller’s dominance is evident with 379 runs at an impressive average of 47.37 and a sizzling strike rate of 161.96. Meanwhile, Klaasen has showcased brilliance with a solid average of 35 and an explosive strike rate of 166.66.
In the bowling department, Lungi Ngidi and Keshav Maharaj have made their mark against India in T20 battles. Ngidi leads as the highest wicket-taker with 10 scalps at an impressive average of 15.50, while Maharaj’s spin wizardry secures the second spot with 9 wickets.
As the series unfolds, all eyes will be on rising star Gaikwad, who has been dazzling in T20 cricket, particularly against Australia. His recent brilliance includes an outstanding performance of 223 runs at an average of 55.75 and a striking strike rate of 159.28.
In the spin department, Ravi Bishnoi’s meteoric rise sees him claiming the top spot in the T20I rankings with 9 wickets at an average of 18.22. Suryakumar Yadav emerges as a death-over maestro, boasting an exceptional strike rate of 236.60.
Reeza Hendricks, a formidable force in T20 Internationals, will be a key player to watch with his diverse performances. Commanding attention with an overall average of 31.63 and an impressive strike rate of 130.55, Hendricks showcases his versatility in handling spin and pace.
Spin sorcerer Tabraiz Shamsi has delivered exceptional stats, claiming 76 wickets at a remarkable average of 22.05 in T20 Internationals. His economy rate of 7.39 and a best bowling performance of 5/24 against England underscore his effectiveness as a vital asset in the world of T20 cricket.
As Team India embarks on this multi-format series against South Africa, cricket enthusiasts anticipate a thrilling contest, filled with emerging talent, seasoned stars, and exciting matchups.
Sunil Yash Kalra is a women’s cricket historian and founder of Indian Sports Fans