India vs South Africa 1st T20I: Teams look to heighten spirits ahead of World Cup

Even though South Africa’s journey to India for white-ball matches comes just four months after their last trip does seem to be ludicrous in terms of scheduling, Wednesday marks the beginning of both teams’ penultimate week of World Cup preparation. It’s interesting to note that a lot has changed since they last played one other in June in both worlds.

Also read: India vs South Africa 1st T20I: Records, stats and pitch report

The race for the third pacer option may have whittled down to Harshal Patel and Arshdeep Singh, with both having the opportunity to convince in the South Africa fixtures; additionally, the team management’s choice of Dinesh Karthik over Rishabh Pant is beginning to take hold.

India has had Virat Kohli make an appreciable return to the top of the order, even though his strike rate has some room for improvement.

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

With 13 victories in 18 T20Is, South Africa has had a surprisingly excellent T20I season over the past 12 months. South Africa went on to win a series in England and against Ireland after sharing the victory in the five games with India in June, discovering reliable top-order riches along the road.

They will face a conundrum beginning on Wednesday about Temba Bavuma’s replacement. Temba Bavuma just returned after being passed up by all six franchises at the SA20 auction.

Mohammed Shami remains unavailable after having missed the Australia series due to covid and hasn’t travelled for the first T20I. Because of a back injury, Deepak Hooda is also unprepared.

Also read: India vs South Africa T20Is: Deepak Hooda, Mohammed Shami likely to sit out

Bhuvneshwar and Hardik Pandya, who will engage in conditioning-related sessions at the NCA in Bengaluru in preparation for the World Cup next month, will be absent from India for this series.

These three games give Pant the opportunity to demonstrate that he has more to offer the Indian team than just being left-handed because Hardik is out and the team has a history of favouring Dinesh Karthik over him lately.

Quinton de Kock’s left-handed opponent in T20s, Yuzvendra Chahal, will try to improve upon his lacklustre performances against Australia.

Due to an elbow injury he received during South Africa’s previous tour of India in June, Bavuma has been out for three months.

Also read: India’s Virat Kohli smashes Australia’s Adam Zampa for massive six in 3rd T20I: Watch

The right-hander-dominated Indian top-order, which has all struggled against left-arm pace, could be troubled by Wayne Parnell, who picked up a five-wicket haul in his most recent Twenty20 match in August.

Due to their stronger matchup, South Africa’s batsmen Quinton de Kock and David Miller will look to lead the way in containing India’s effective spinner Axar Patel.