India vs South Africa T20I Preview: Can Pant and co tame the Proteas?
After an entertaining IPL 2022, team India is back in T20I action as they lock horns with the South Africans in a blockbuster five-match T20I series. However, there's more to the series than just two of the best sides facing off against each other. But we've got your back, as always! Without further ado, here's how the series shapes up ahead of the first game at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi!
Tale of the Tape: How do the teams stack up?
Starting with the hosts, team India has named a rather youthful side to take on the Proteas threat. The star trio of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah has been given a break with the tour of England on the horizon. However, team India felt a blow with KL Rahul being injured on the eve of the first T20I.
But this gives an opportunity for Rishabh Pant to lead his nation in front of his home crowd in Delhi. He will have Hardik Pandya, IPL 2022-winning captain, at his side, holding the hosts in good stead. Speaking of Hardik, his return adds much-needed balance to the side with Yuzvendra Chahal and Harshal Patel also being ones to keep an eye out for against the South Africans
Speaking of the South Africans, there aren't many personnel concerns they will need to worry about. Captain Temba Bavuma has a strong roster to rely on with youngsters Tristan Stubbs and Marco Jansen likely to get a run in as well.
The focus will be on South Africa's star-studded bowling attack, headlined by Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje although Tabraiz Shamsi could be their X-factor on tracks that should help spinners.
The Sixer Insight - How Does the Market Look Like?
Now to the good part - the Sixer Market is a gift that keeps giving, as you may already know by now. More than 20 squad players, across both teams, are available in the Sixer Market. While the likes of Rassie van der Dussen and Dinesh Karthik are in high demand already, there are some hidden gems in the market, worth diving deep into.
Quinton de Kock is arguably the biggest star available from the South African roster, priced at 60.49 Sixer Coins. He is already selling fast and for good reason after a successful IPL season.
As for the Indians, all eyes will be on Hardik Pandya and Shreyas Iyer, who is already up by over 5% in their last two outings. Watch out for young Arshdeep Singh, who could make his debut in this series as well.
Final Verdict - India or South Africa?
To the big question - Who Will Win This Series? The Indians have a second-string line-up although the likes of Rishabh Pant and Ishan Kishan have a T20 World Cup experience. But they will need to step up in the absence of senior players, which Rahul Dravid, India's head coach has stressed.
The Road to Australia is already on. Team India has a few youngsters in Umran Malik, Ravi Bishnoi and Ruturaj Gaikwad, who they would want to groom for the future. On the other hand, South Africa will look to fine-tune what seems to be a strong roster led by Temba Bavuma. While the winner of this series is up for debate, we are certainly in for a cracker of a series between the two sides!