The Tests and ODIs are done, and we are down to the final leg of South Africa’s all-format tour of India. The visitors will sign off their trip with an extensive five-match T20I series that will be of immense context for both sides with the World Cup not too far away from now. The opening game of the series will be played in Cuttack on Tuesday (December 9)
Team news
India
After the 0-2 whitewash defeat in Tests, India showed their mettle in the ODIs by wrapping up the series 2-1. Now, they return to what is arguably their best format at the moment. Not only are India the T20 World Cup champions but they are also the top ranked side in the format. Importantly, their track record in T20Is has been exceptional in the last 18 months.
India’s T20I squad isn’t flawless but their explosive energy with the bat and mystery wrist spin with the ball gives them a big edge over the other sides. Right from the unmatchable Abhishek Sharma at the top, the batting is high on intent and Hardik Pandya’s return is a welcome boost for the home side. Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakaravarthy are also back after being rested recently.
The main news is about Shubman Gill, the T20I vice-captain, who is back after the neck spasm that he sustained during the Test series against South Africa. The 26-year-old has been declared fit and has been working his way into peak fitness in recent weeks. With Gill back, India are likely to go with the same XI that played in Australia, with Jitesh Sharma expected to start over Sanju Samson.
South Africa
South Africa will be hurting at the ODI series loss but they had their moments even in the two defeats. Also, they are potentially a better side in the shortest format than they are in ODIs. At least, the firepower in their ranks suggests so. Aiden Markram returns to captaincy duties after filling in for a game in the ODI series.
With Quinton de Kock back opening the batting, pressure is mounting on Ryan Rickelton but the latter should keep his spot for the initial few games. Apart from Markram, there is Dewald Brevis, David Miller and Tristan Stubbs in South Africa’s batting line-up. Add the all-rounders in Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch and George Linde alongside Donovan Ferreira, and there is serious ammunition there.
Probable XIs
India: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy
South Africa: Quinton de Kock(wk), Aiden Markram(c), David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Anrich Nortje, Kwena Maphaka
Pitch report
Only three T20 games have been played in Cuttack, so the sample size is small to make any conclusions. However, the venue has historically seen good batting tracks which are fractionally on the slower side. Dew could be a factor once again, like it was in the ODIs and teams would want to bowl first due to the same reason.
Weather forecast
Winters have started to take affect in Cuttack, much like in the northern and eastern parts of India. With this being an evening game, temperatures are expected to be cooler and it should get colder as the evening progresses.
Where to watch?
The India-South Africa T20Is are being telecast on the Star Sports Network and streamed on JioHotstar website/app.
