India are all set to take on South Africa in a four-match T20I series, which begins with the opening match at Kingsmead in Durban on Friday, November 8. The subsequent games will be held in Gqeberha, Centurion and Johannesburg on November 10, November 13 and November 15, respectively.
The same two sides met in the final of the T20 World Cup earlier this year in Barbados, with the Men in Blue getting the better of the Proteas by seven runs in a thrilling summit clash. Three of the Indian players who featured in that final, though, have retired from T20Is - Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja.
If we look at the overall head-to-head numbers between India and South Africa in T20Is, they have met 27 times, with the Men in Blue having a 15-11 lead. One match ended in no-result. As India and South Africa prepare to resume their T20I rivalry, we pick five players who can set performance ka higher standard during the four-match series.
#1 Suryakumar Yadav
Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav is undoubtedly one of the biggest stars in T20 cricket among the current generation of players. His 360-degree strokeplay has earned him comparisons with the legendary AB de Villiers. It goes without saying that the 34-year-old will be key to India’s fortunes in the T20I series.
Suryakumar’s T20I record speaks for itself. In 74 matches, he has smashed 2,544 runs at an average of 42.40 and a strike rate of 169.48, with four hundreds and 21 fifties. He has an exceptional record against South Africa in T20Is. In seven innings, he has scored 346 runs at a strike rate of 175.63, with the aid of one century and four fifties.
#2 Heinrich Klaasen
With a little bit of luck, Heinrich Klaasen could have led South Africa to T20 World Cup. He gave India a massive scare in the final, clobbering 52 off 27 balls, with the aid of two fours and five sixes. Had he not been dismissed, the tale of the 2024 T20 World Cup final might have been a totally different one.
Klaasen has been one of the most destructive batters in T20 cricket over the last few seasons. In the last two IPL editions for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), he has totaled 400-plus runs, with strike rates in excess of 170. If the 33-year-old gets going in the T20I series against South Africa, it will be difficult to stop him.
#3 Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya was one of the big reasons behind India’s memorable 2024 T20 World Cup triumph. Going into the tournament on a back of a disastrous IPL season, the all-rounder redeemed himself with some crucial performances with both bat and ball. He also sent down the last over in the final against the Proteas, holding his nerve under intense pressure.
Having Pandya in the mix gives India the much-needed balance as he can contribute in multiple departments. The 31-year-old has the knack of the coming up with the goods when his side is in a desperate situation. Expect him to set performance ka higher standard with his versatile skills.
#4 David Miller
There will be high expectations from David Miller in the India vs South Africa series given his vast experience and proven ability in T20Is. The left-handed batter was at the crease when the last over of the 2024 T20 World Cup final began. Had Suryakumar not taken a sensational catch to dismiss him, the match would have been a lot tighter.
Miller has the ability to strike big hits on a consistent basis and can be an extremely dangerous player if he gets his eye in. Having played 125 T20Is, he has scored 2,437 runs at a strike rate of 140.54, with the aid of two hundreds and seven fifties. India cannot allow him to settle else he can cause the bowlers some serious headaches.
#5 Arshdeep Singh
Having made his T20I debut in July 2022, left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh has quickly established himself as a crucial member of the team. He has the ability strike early blows and put the opposition on the back foot. Arshdeep is a handy death bowler as well, who has a lethal yorker in his kitty.
In 56 matches, the 25-year-old has claimed 87 wickets at an average of 18.35 and an economy rate of 8.28, with a best of 4-9. If Arshdeep claims 10 wickets in the T20I series against South Africa, he will become the leading wicket-taker for India in the format, surpassing leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal (96) and undoubtedly set performance ka higher standard.
Tagline: Performance Ka Higher Standard
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