India's Second-Line Stars Eye Breakthrough in T20I Series Against South Africa
Similarly, Tilak Varma, who had an impressive start to his T20I career with India in 2023, has struggled in recent outings. His 12 appearances since have yielded only one half-century, and he hasn't featured in the team since January 2024.
As India navigates through a transition phase in T20 internationals, a group of second-line players, including Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, are keen to grab the spotlight during the four-match T20I series against South Africa. The series, which begins on Friday at Kingsmead, Durban, presents an opportunity for these players to prove themselves as first-choice options in the shortest format.
For Samson, who impressed during the recent T20I series against Bangladesh by opening the innings and scoring a blistering 111 off 47 balls, this series could be pivotal. With Rohit Sharma no longer leading the T20I side, Samson will look to cement his place at the top of the order with consistent performances against the Proteas.
Abhishek Sharma, a dashing left-hander who made headlines with a 47-ball 100 against Zimbabwe, has struggled for consistency in his subsequent international innings. With scores of 0, 10, 14, 16, 15, and 4 in his last six outings, he will be keen to showcase more consistency in both batting and his left-arm spin, to secure his spot in the playing XI.
Similarly, Tilak Varma, who had an impressive start to his T20I career with India in 2023, has struggled in recent outings. His 12 appearances since have yielded only one half-century, and he hasn't featured in the team since January 2024. This series offers him the chance to prove his worth again, especially with his off-spin bowling.
Wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma and spinner Varun Chakravarthy are also looking to make their mark. Jitesh, who has fallen down the pecking order, and Chakravarthy, who impressed against Bangladesh, will aim to stay competitive and prove themselves valuable for the national team.
The series will also see a new-look pace attack, including Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, Vyshak Vijaykumar, and Yash Dayal, with Arshdeep and Avesh looking to consolidate their spots and the newcomers hoping to carry over their domestic and IPL form to the international stage.
Ramandeep Singh, retained by Kolkata Knight Riders after a successful IPL 2024, brings a versatile skill set to the side as a lower-order batter, medium pacer, and exceptional fielder, and will be eager to replicate his success at the international level.
Seniors like Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and Axar Patel, all regular members of the Test squad, will be key in ensuring India gets back to winning ways following a recent home series loss to New Zealand.
For four players—Arshdeep, Avesh, Jitesh, and Vyshak—this series is also significant on a personal level, as they will look to make a statement before the IPL mega auction in November, having not been retained by their respective franchises.
South Africa, meanwhile, will be out for revenge after losing to India in the T20 World Cup final in June. The series promises to be a thrilling contest as both teams gear up for another exciting battle in the shortest format of the game.
India Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ramandeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Avesh Khan, Yash Dayal.
South Africa Squad: Aiden Markram (C), Ottneil Baartman, Gerald Coetzee, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Patrick Kruger, Keshav Maharaj, David Miller, Mihlali Mpongwana, Nqaba Peter, Ryan Rickelton, Andile Simelane, Lutho Sipamla (3rd and 4th T20Is), Tristan Stubbs.
