India will lock horns with South Africa in the first match of the T20I series on 28th of September, this as a perfect opportunity to test themselves before the T20I World Cup in Australia.
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India v South Africa – 5 Key Players to watch out
Tristian Stubbs
Tristan Stubbs is an attacking middle-order batsman. It has barely been months since his debut but the player was a big name even before that.
Stubbs was earlier a part of South Africa’s under 19 squads. Last year, it was his performance in the CSA 20 that was the turning point of his career.
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After that, he was the net bowler for Mumbai Indians side until Tymal Mills was unavailable due to injury.
The 22-year-old has 4 half-centuries and a high score of 80 not out. Additionally, 784 runs came at an average of 30.15 and a strike rate of 160.65.
He is one to watch out for in this series, he packs a punch, can clear any boundary with easy and bowls some handy off spin as well.
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli, whose batting form was being questioned before the Asia Cup, silenced all his critics with a tremendous run of form with a century and couple of fifties.
His unbeaten 122 runs off just 61 balls against Afghanistan, showed that he was back in red hot form.
Kohli went on to play some crucial knocks against the mighty Aussies in the recently concluded 3 match T20I series.
“I feel very blessed, very grateful right now. Last two and a half years have taught me a lot. I’m going to turn 34 in November” said Kohli
“I was a bit shocked because this was the format I least expected a century to come in any time soon, but it’s all God’s blessings. I have been working hard and this was just a moment which was very special for me and the team as well.” added Virat
Virat is raring to get on the field and make full use of this form, It’s a good opportunity for him to prepare well before the start of the T20 World Cup in Australia in October.
Reeza Hendricks
Hendricks has a reputation of a destructive opener, known for scoring quickly at the top of the innings.
Reeza’s got to shot is the cover drive, he can also pull the ball well and is handy against spin as well.
Hendricks became a regular starter for South Africa in white-ball cricket in 2018, and also played a crucial role in Jozi Stars’ title-winning campaign in 2018 which including back-to-back hundreds.
Reeza was the top run getter for South Africa, in their last T20I against Ireland which they went on to win by 44 run.
Hendricks stated that he will continue to take chances despite some batters being in outstanding form and putting their hands up for spots in the lineup for the T20 World Cup.
“It’s obviously nice to contribute. There’s a lot of competition within the team at present, which is also a good thing as well. So I’m happy I got the opportunity and managed to put in some good performances,” said Hendricks
Jaspreet Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah, who returned for the Australian series after prolonged absence due to injuries, will settle down in his groove ahead of the series against South Africa and the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia.
Bumrah has been India’s goto bowler in the last few years and has led India to countless number of win, His death bowling will be a deciding factor in the World Cup and the upcoming series against South Africa at home.
Although Bumrah was was slightly expensive on his return to Indentation cricket, the right arm fast bowler will use the matches against South Africa to get back his Mojo.
Quinton de Kock
South Africa opener Quinton de Kock is in excellent form, he was brilliant in the recently concluded 100 and the on going Carribean Premier League.
De Kock also was also played crucial knocks for South Africa against England earlier this year.
The 29-year-old hit a magnificent 140-run against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2022 .
De Kock along with skipper KL Rahul went on to stitch the highest opening stand of 210 in this year’s IPL.
Representing Barbados Royals in the CPL right now, the left-handed batter is looking to continue his good form with the bat and help his side clinch the title.
A lot will ride on his form with the bat if South Africa are to do well in the upcoming series against India and the T20 World Cup.
