India vs South Africa T20I series: Key battles to look out for

Team India is in the final stages of preparations for the forthcoming ICC T20 World Cup, as they take on South Africa in a three-match T20 series. The Men in Blue have already faced the Proteas five times in the shortest format of the sport in 2022. Both sides won two matches each, while the fifth match was postponed for rain.

India will be hoping that certain players deliver against some of the visiting players if they are to ensure success. India’s bowling lineup has caused concern to many with their recent performances and it will be tested once again to its limits when the matches take place. Here are three key battles one must look out for in the series.

Also Read: India vs South Africa: 3 T20I records Virat Kohli can break

Rohit Sharma vs Wayne Parnell

The biggest battle the Indian captain will face will be against South African left-handed seamer Wayne Parnell. Sharma has a tendency to play weak or risky shots against left-handed bowlers, which has resulted in him being dismissed 19 times in 61 innings. His weakness against these particular bowlers is known by many and the South Africans will certainly try to take advantage of it.

Yuzvendra Chahal vs Quinton de Kock

The Indian bowling lineup has given enough reasons to be concerned. Quinton de Kock, who is expected to open for the visitors, is known widely for his strong starts. India will be expected to deploy a leg-spinner to counter his threat, and this is where Chahal’s success becomes paramount.

However, Chahal tends to give away too many runs in crucial moments of matches and this is something that he must avoid against de Kock if India hopes to limit him to a minimum.

Quinton de Kock has been dismissed six times by Chahal in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and two times in ODIs. 

Also Read: India vs South Africa T20Is: Five players to watch out for

Suryakumar Yadav vs Keshav Maharaj

The middle-order batter is arguably in the form of his life, as was witnessed only a few days ago against Australia. He played a knock of 69 runs off 36 balls against Australia in the last T20I match, helping India to clinch the series.

However, he will be up against Keshav Maharaj in the upcoming series and has been documented in the past, Yadav has an apparent weakness against left-arm spinners. Maharaj can become the Achilles heel for Yadav if he is not careful.

While Yadav can be described as explosive in T20Is, he has a meagre average of 29 against left-arm spinners in the shortest format of the sport. He has also been dismissed by them 13 times in 62 innings and Maharaj will look to take advantage of that weakness.