India gears up for proteas challenge

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: India will look to round off its T20 World Cup preparation with a marked improvement in its death bowling besides providing crucial game-time to its untested players in the three-match series against South Africa, beginning here on Wednesday.

India skipper Rohit Sharma, expectedly, singled out death bowling as an area that requires improvement following the series win over Australia. But, the host will be without two of its key bowlers, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Hardik Pandya, who have been rested ahead of the marquee ICC event next month.

Mohammed Shami, one of the World Cup reserves, is yet to recover from Covid-19 and will miss the games against the Proteas after being unavailable for the rubber against Australia. Harshal Patel did not have the best of times in his comeback series against Australia, but will be expected to get back to his best.

Deepak Chahar, who is also on standby for the World Cup, did not get a game in the previous series and could get a chance if the team decides to rotate its pacers over the three matches. Arshdeep Singh will return to bolster the home team’s resources in the slog overs, making an effective combination alongside Jasprit Bumrah.

In the series decider against Australia, Yuzvendra Chahal showed what he can do if the ball grips and turns. As Rohit spoke about the importance of giving all the players game time ahead of the World Cup, Ravichandran Ashwin could get a look-in.

In the batting department, KL Rahul would like to make the most of the opportunities after missing out in the last two games against Australia. With Virat Kohli and Rohit looking in good touch, it is important that Rahul too is in full flow before the team travels to Australia. Meanwhile, the Temba Bavuma-led South Africa will look to leave its mark.-