India is set to face South Africa in a T20I series comprising three matches. The series commences with the first game at Kingsmead in Durban on Sunday, December 10, followed by matches at St George’s Park in Gqeberha on December 12 and New Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on December 14.
The upcoming series against South Africa holds significant importance as it serves as preparation for the T20 World Cup set to take place in the United States and the West Indies in June 2024.
Following the South Africa series, Team India will engage in just three T20Is against Afghanistan at home in January before participating in the ICC event. Notably, many Indian players will be part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the lead-up to the World Cup.
Suryakumar Yadav will maintain his role as the T20I captain in the series against South Africa, given the absence of all-rounder Hardik Pandya due to injury.
We look at three important topics about the visiting team:
#3 Should we stop discussing the return of Kohli and Rohit in T20Is?
Since their impressive show in the 2023 ODI World Cup, there has been widespread advocacy for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s inclusion in the 2024 T20 World Cup squad. While their T20 prowess is undeniable, uncertainties linger about their availability and willingness for the T20 World Cup.
Both Kohli and Rohit haven’t played a T20I since the 2022 World Cup semi-final. India has been giving opportunities to promising IPL performers.
Their exclusion from the T20I series in South Africa suggests a clear stance from players and selectors. The ongoing speculation about their T20I future needs a prompt resolution for the benefit of Indian cricket.
#2 Is KL Rahul no longer in consideration for T20Is?
While there’s been focus on Kohli and Rohit’s T20I roles, KL Rahul might also be out of consideration in the format. He hasn’t featured in the T20I squad against South Africa, and his absence extends since the 2022 T20 World Cup.
Despite his underwhelming performance in Australia, Rahul boasts an impressive T20I record with 2265 runs at an average of 37.75 and a strike rate of nearly 140.
Although Rinku Singh and Jitesh Sharma have been doing well, they lack experience. With the presence of all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and the potential return of Pandya, Rahul might find it challenging to make a comeback to the T20I squad.
#1 The opening confusion
India’s T20I opening conundrum features strong contenders like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Ruturaj Gaikwad, with Ishan Kishan as a versatile option. The decision to pick two among them is challenging, considering their impressive performances.
Gill, with 304 runs in 11 matches at a 146.85 strike rate, competes with Gaikwad’s 500 runs in 17 innings at a 140.05 strike rate and Jaiswal’s 370 runs with a striking 163.71 rate.
The added dynamic of Jaiswal’s high strike rate intensifies the selection puzzle, especially with only three T20Is in the series and no option for rotation. Suryakumar Yadav and the team face an intriguing choice.
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