The 5 players who should step up for India in the T20 series against South Africa

The likes of Suresh Raina and MS Dhoni should step up in the T20 format

Only a week left now for the much-anticipated clash between two of the best T20 sides in the world – India and South Africa. There will be action, thrill, drama, heartbreaks and of course, nerves which are the part and parcel of the game’s shortest format. What has raised the importance of the series even more is that the T20 World Cup is not too far away.

The series as we know is in India’s own backyard and thus it is even more important for the team to come up with their best performances. Fans are already backing their team to cross the South African hurdle when they get back into the action after a break and not to forget, there is always ten times the normal pressure for players wearing the Indian jersey due to the burden of expectations placed on their shoulders.

It would have to be a team effort to beat a quality team like South Africa , but here are the 5 players, according to me, who will have to rise to the occasion in this series, with critics keen to pin them down.

1. MS Dhoni

Back into the thick of the action after a good break, the Indian skipper in the limited overs formats, already under scrutiny, will have the chance to overcome the criticism of the previous loss to Bangladesh by outclassing the opponents this time. He is and has been India’s biggest match-winner for quite some time now, a point emphasised earlier by India team director Ravi Shastri, and must let his bat do the talking now and answer his critics.

We know very well his ability to tear apart any bowling attack and we got a glimpse of how well he judges the situation even now, to guide his team to a win, by his heroics in a high profile charity match contested recently at The Oval. It remains to be seen if he will promote himself to the number 4 spot in the shortest format also, but personally speaking, nothing can be better for the team, as we all are fully aware of this guy’s belligerence .

2. Shikhar Dhawan

Dhawan will be looking to carry forward his good form to the T20 format

Dhawan has not showcased his destructive self in the six T20Is he has played for India so far, but the manner in which he performed in the World Cup earlier this year is proof of his ability to rise against top class opponents and peak at the right time. He performed well in the lone Test he played against Sri Lanka as well, but it is now the time to show his value in the T20 format by scoring handy runs at the top and provide a brisk start to the team.

3. Suresh Raina

The limited overs specialist for India, Raina will have to play his aggressive brand of cricket as is required in the T20s. His IPL record is proof that he can be a perfectionist at that. Short of runs recently, he will look to dominate this opposition and show why he is called the specialist when it comes to this level.

His match-winning century for India A against Bangladesh A recently should fill him up with confidence but it remains to be seen which position he will be batting at. No matter what the team management decides, he will have to show how that he can adjust to whatever role is given.

4. Harbhajan Singh

It could well be Harbhajan’s last chance in the national team

In and out of the team in the recent past, India’s most successful off-spinner will have a chance to make a statement on his position in the team. It is very important for Bhajji to perform, and utilise this chance been given to him, which might prove to be his last, provided the adverse happens. India will certainly get an additional momentum if he gets back to his old ways.

5. Mohit Sharma

The Haryana fast bowler enjoys the undoubted backing of his captain. He bowls with a lot of heart and can play an important role along with Bhuvaneshwar Kumar when it comes to tightening the screws, and has a knack for picking up wickets at important times. He can be a crucial weapon in Dhoni’s armour to dismantle the opposition with his subtle variations but in the wake of stiff competition, he must step up and show why he deserves to be a part of this team. ?