World Cup 2019: 3 South African players India should be wary of

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 commenced on 30th May and thus far, six matches have been played. With each team having played its opening game of the tournament, the Indian team will be opening their campaign against South Africa at Southampton on June 5th.

On the other hand, South Africa will be desperate to open their account after facing defeat in both of their previous matches against England and Bangladesh respectively and could be expected to come hard at India in their quest for an elusive win.

South Africa has got a good mixture of youth and experienced players in their team which can outclass an opposition on any given day. There are players in this South Africa team who enjoy a very good record against India in ODI cricket. Hashim Amla and Dale Steyn also have good record versus India but their inclusion in the playing eleven is still under a cloud due to injury issues.

In light of the India v South Africa clash, let’s have a look at three players who could have a massive impact against India.

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#3 Kagiso Rabada

Kagiso Rabada

Kagiso Rabada is one of the best fast bowlers in international cricket currently and is one of the few bowlers who have excelled in all three formats. The record in his short international career is very impressive, 108 wickets in just 68 ODIs at an average of 27.1.

Rabada is playing in his first World Cup and the start hasn’t been that great. His figures against England in the first match, 2/66 from 10 overs made for a sedate start but against a weaker Bangladesh side, he went wicketless.

Against India, Rabada will be keen on re-finding his mojo and challenge the mighty Indian batting lineup with his ability to swing the ball at a lively pace. With India found wanting against the swinging ball, Rabada will hold the key at the start.

#2 Faf du Plessis

Faf du Plessis

Faf du Plessis has been the backbone of the South African middle order for years now. After AB de Villiers' retirement, he has been their most dependable player in the batting line-up. A technically sound batsman who has got all gears to bat at various situations, du Plessis also holds a top record in ODI cricket against India.

In 12 matches against India so far, du Plessis has scored 658 runs at an average of 59.82 with two centuries and five half-centuries. Going by the statistics, it is quite evident that he likes to play against the Indian bowling attack.

In the first two matches for South Africa, Faf couldn’t take his side home while chasing the score. In the second match against Bangladesh, he looked in good touch before getting dismissed for 62 and will be looking to put up a defining knock against India.

#1 Quinton de Kock

Quinton de Kock

Quinton de Kock has been one of the most consistent players in South Africa’s recent past and he will be the biggest key to success for their team in the World Cup 2019. The 26-year-old left-handed batsman opens the inning for South Africa and is very aggressive from the start.

de Kock was possibly the only South African player to show some fight in the first match against England as they went down by a big 104-run margin. He was the top-scorer for their team with 68 runs and was the only player who looked comfortable against the England attack. In the second match, he was was run out cheaply for 23 runs.

The quality that de Kock brings to the table is unparalleled. In 12 matches against India, he averages 66.38 and has scored five centuries and one half-century and in seaming conditions, de Kock will be banked on to produce the goods.