The countdown to the T20 World Cup has begun. Winning breeds confidence and India’s 2-1 series triumph over Australia will go a long way in putting the players in the right frame of mind.As India begin their last round of matches, ahead of the showpiece event, against South Africa at Greenfield stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday, it will be their last chance to iron out those rough edges and throw some definite light on the combination.
With Hardik Pandya and Bhuvneshwar Kumar rested, India will have a tough job in balancing their XI. Deepak Hooda too will be unavailable because of injury. The call-up of Shahbaz Ahmed will be of little help since Axar Patel and Yuzvendra Chahal will be the preferred spinners.
India could contemplate playing with five bowlers and brining back Rishabh Pant in the team. That will provide more flexibility to the batting order.
Virat Kohli’s half-century in the last T20I against Australia has come as a relief to the camp though his strike rate still has some room for improvement. Suryakumar Yadav has been consistent right through and the topfour’s form should be reason for encouragement for Rohit Sharma.
Vice-captain KL Rahul during practice, as Virat Kohli looks on, in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday, the eve of the first T20I against South Africa. PTI picture
The reason is simple: at least one among the top-four has to play a long innings for India to pile a respectable total in the World Cup.
How Kohli fares against South African pacers Wayne Parnell, Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje could be crucial in deciding the fate of this series. If Kohli can hold the innings together, like he did in Hyderabad on Sunday night, the other batters can play around him. The former captain has always excelled in chasing targets and understands the pace of the game well.
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma returns after a three-month layoff following an elbow injury which he sustained on South Africa’s previous tour of India in June.
“This is our last series before the World Cup. We’ll be looking at this series to fill up whatever gaps that are there within the team,” Bavuma said.
How Quinton de Kock fares at the top could decide their innings. Chahal has often proved to De Kock’s nemesis, dismissing him six times in the 39 deliveries he bowled to the left-hander.
The forecast suggests there is possibility for rain on Wednesday night.
Today’s match
■ India vs South Africa, 1st T20I, 7pm, live on Star Sports Network