After decimating West Indies in their home conditions, the Indian team is all set for the first home series after World Cup 2019 as they take on South Africa for a three-match T20 series followed by as many Tests, starting from September 15. Virat Kohli’s men will be looking to continue their dazzling run as the team didn’t lose a single game on away tour. Moreover, the likes of Rahul Chahar, Navdeep Saini, Deepak Chahar have been able to make a name for themselves in the shortest format of the game.
With this, MyTeam11 brings to you the five players to watch out for:
Virat Kohli
Watching this India team play is like following a long-distance race where the gap between the winner and the others gradually opens up—that’s how Virat Kohli’s team gets the opposition. There’s little to separate the sides in the early skirmishes, but as the contest hots up the difference in quality begins to show. West Indies was the latest example of this.
A key component is his ability to lead from the front. The individual blends dedication and grit while epitomizing the facet named perfection in the most beautiful way possible. Virat Kohli’s inclusion in the team as a batsman not only adds a cherry to the delicious cake but also lets the cake smell good which eventually makes the opponent worry even before the start of play.
Virat Kohli’s ability to convert ones in twos and twos in threes make the whole difference. He silently builds his innings and accelerates when the opposition is least expecting. There have been many captains who have been worn out by the pressure of leading the side – but not him. It will not be a surprise if the upcoming series adds another chapter to his glorious career.
Manish Pandey
An unbeaten hundred which propel Royal Challengers Bangalore's way into the knockout stages in the second edition of the IPL was probably the innings that shaped Manish Pandey's career. The unbeaten 114 runs helped the then-teenager to shot the limelight and announce his credibility at the world platform. Since then, Pandey has never looked back.
His superlative dream run played a vital cog for Karnataka in the initial years. However, his barnstorming start did not immediately help him with desired returns. Nevertheless, the unsung hero of Indian Cricket Manish Pandey's breakout came six-months after his International debut when he single-handedly won the game for his country in Sydney against a promising side like Australia.
The innings not only defined his technique but also led the populous to witness his temperament at the world stage. Post that, Manish Pandey had a lean patch which led to questioning his selection in the limited-overs arena. The upcoming home series will certainly be seen as a make or break series as the youngster remains to be tested. Having said that, he will certainly start as a favorite in India’s playing eleven.
Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya was rested for the West Indies tour and will start fresh in the upcoming series. Hardik was rested from the tour after a long season that included tours of Australia and New Zealand followed by the Indian Premier League and the World Cup.
Hardik's workload had been a concern for the team ever since he picked up a stress-fracture injury at the Asia Cup last year and the lower-back stiffness that forced him to miss the ODIs against Australia at home in March.
Thus, on his comeback, Hardik will be looking to continue his dazzling touch with the bat. Moreover, with none of the top five being able to bowl, he will be India’s sixth bowler.
Rahul Chahar
Rahul Chahar received maiden national call-up against West Indies after a prolific run in the twelfth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The 19-year-old leg spinner even translated that success at the India ‘A’ level and eventually came into the limelight. Thus, in the absence of the two-premier wrist-spinners, Chahar will most likely get a chance in the XI.
The young sensation warmed the benches in the first couple of games before getting a chance in the final T20 International. The nervous instinct got over him in the first two overs, but he came back strongly in the third over to scalp Carlos Brathwaite as his debut wicket.
However, he didn’t return to spell to complete his quota of overs. Thus, the Indian team management will look to give the youngster more game time before coming to a conclusion.
Navdeep Saini
The right-arm pacer caught everyone’s eyes in his debut series with his skiddy pace and bounce. Saini managed to scalp three wickets on his debut outing for India which became a talking point for cricket pundit around the globe.
However, he was taken for runs in the second game. He blew hot and cold in the third game as he got a couple of wickets. But the youngster has Virat Kohli’s support and will be looking to express himself more consistently in the games to come.
Thus, Saini will not only look to make an impact in this T20 series, but he will also look to prepare well for next year’s World Cup in Australia. Along with Deepak Chahar and Khaleel Ahmed, he will be crucial in the pace department in this series.
