As the curtains draw on India’s home assignment against Australia, cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the forthcoming tour of South Africa, featuring three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Tests. Scheduled to kick off on December 10 at the iconic SuperSport Park in Centurion, this much-anticipated series promises to be a thrilling clash of cricketing titans. Currently leading the ongoing five-match T20I series against Australia by 2-1, India is gearing up for yet another challenging expedition.
However, the excitement is tempered by the absence of ace Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who is grappling with an ankle injury sustained during the World Cup encounter against Bangladesh. Despite his pivotal role in the squad, Pandya’s recovery timeline leaves him sidelined for the South African series. In a bid to maintain leadership continuity, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has approached Rohit Sharma to captain the T20I team. Surprisingly, the veteran cricketer has expressed disinterest in leading the shortest format, paving the way for an alternative captain.
Enter Suryakumar Yadav, the swashbuckling batter whose meteoric rise in the cricketing arena has caught the attention of fans and experts alike. In a surprising turn of events, it seems Yadav will don the captain’s cap for India in the South Africa T20Is. This decision not only underscores his cricketing prowess but also signifies a bold move by the selectors to entrust leadership responsibilities to a player who has consistently showcased his T20 acumen.
In the pace department, the return of experienced pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj adds a formidable edge to India’s bowling arsenal. Rested for the Australia T20Is, these seasoned campaigners are expected to make a comeback, providing depth and experience to the fast-bowling unit. Their inclusion is not just a boost for India but also a strategic move to bolster the team’s chances against a formidable South African lineup.
On the flip side, Prasidh Krishna’s recent struggles with the ball might lead to his omission from the South Africa T20Is squad. The selectors, faced with this dilemma, are weighing their options and are likely to choose between Mukesh Kumar and Avesh Khan for the reserve seamer’s role. The former seems to be the front-runner, bringing his skillset and recent performances into consideration.
The batting lineup also presents interesting choices for the selectors. Ruturaj Gaikwad’s commendable performances against Australia position him as a strong contender, potentially edging out Shubman Gill for a spot in the South Africa T20Is. The young guns Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, Tilak Varma, and Rinku Singh are poised to make their mark, bringing a fresh and dynamic energy to the team. Ishan Kishan and Jitesh Sharma are likely to travel as the designated keeper-batters, adding depth to the batting order.
The all-rounders in the squad, Shivam Dube and Axar Patel, contribute to the team’s balance with their dual skill sets. Meanwhile, Ravi Bishnoi is set to continue spearheading the spin department, bringing his impressive performances to the fore. The spin-bowling maestro will play a crucial role in navigating the challenging South African conditions.
As the squad takes shape and the players prepare to embark on the South African expedition, cricket enthusiasts await a riveting contest between two cricketing powerhouses. Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership, coupled with the return of seasoned players and the infusion of young talent, sets the stage for a captivating series that promises to showcase the best of Indian cricket on the international stage.
India’s Probable Squad For South Africa T20Is
Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ishan Kishan (WK), Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar