India vs. South Africa - It's Time to Settle an Old Score!
Here's what to know before India and South Africa face off in a five-match T20I series.
India vs. South Africa: Preview
Even though we’re drawing the curtains on this IPL season, there’s more T-20 action in store to keep cricket fans entertained! Starting June 9, India will be hosting South Africa for a five-match T20I series.
South Africa has a tough road ahead of them, as they’ll be facing off against the world’s number-one T20I team. With 12 consecutive T20I wins, India hasn’t lost a single T20I game since November, equalling Afghanistan’s record for the most consecutive wins (12) registered in the T-20 format.
Team India is on a Mission to Settle Old Scores
While Team India starts as favorites, the Proteas are entering into the series with strong momentum. The last time these two sides met, South Africa edged India 2-1 in a hotly contested Test series, while also handing the visitors a thumping 3-0 whitewash defeat in the ODI series. Determined to settle old scores and set a new record for the most consecutive T-20 wins, the Men in Blue will go all-in with guns blazing.
Mix of Youth and Experience at the Indian Camp
Ahead of the series, the Indian contingent has added some fresh faces to their roster. Arshdeep Singh and Umran Malik have earned their maiden call-ups, hoping to replicate their IPL performances on the international stage. Meanwhile, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Venkatesh Iyer, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Deepak Hooda continue to be in the mix.
Hardik Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, and Dinesh Karthik will return to the team, adding their experience and skill to the squad. Though only some senior players have gotten rest, the team faces a cramped schedule that flows into the 2022 T-20 World Cup, with KL Rahul leading the side and Rishabh Pant serving as his deputy.
Developments at the Proteas Camp
Tristan Stubbs, the 21-year-old Mumbai Indians batsman, will be making his international debut. Anrich Nortje returns to the side along with opening batter Reeza Hendricks. The rest of the squad seems more or less unchanged. This team has shown positive developments under the leadership of Temba Bavuma, and the Proteas will enter the series with a lot of confidence to challenge their mighty opponents.
What to Expect
With both camps boasting youth and energy, we can expect this series to be a cracker of an event – and a golden opportunity for both sides to prepare for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
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