In the three-match series against South Africa, which starts here on Wednesday, India will be seeking to wrap up their T20 World Cup preparation with a noticeable improvement in their death bowling in addition to giving critical game experience to their untested players. Following the series victory over Australia, India’s captain Rohit Sharma pointed out death bowling as an area that needs work. Due to rest ahead of the ICC event next month, the hosts will be missing two of their top bowlers, Hardik Pandya and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. One of the World Cup backups, Mohammad Shami, is still recovering from COVID-19 and will be absent for the three games against the Proteas after being unable to play in the rubber match against Australia.
In his comeback series against Australia, Harshal Patel did not have the best of times, but in the final three games before the World Cup, it is believed that he will return to form. His career economy rate is 9.05, but against the Australians, he gave up more than 12 runs per over. In the previous series, Deepak Chahar, who is also on standby for the World Cup, was not given an opportunity, but he might have one if the team decides to rotate its pacers throughout the three games. Along with Jasprit Bumrah, who will be attempting to rediscover his full rhythm following his comeback from injury, Arshdeep Singh will be back to help the team’s resources in the slog overs.
Yuzvendra Chahal looked flat in the first two games of the series against Australia, but in the game that decided the series, he demonstrated his potential when the ball is gripping and twisting. The cunning leg-spinner will be seeking to step up his game on placid pitches while keeping in mind the Australian conditions. R Ashwin could listen in as Rohit stressed the value of providing each player game time prior to the World Cup. K L Rahul wants to make the most of these three games in the batting area after missing the previous two games against Australia.
