India vs South Africa: First T20I: Preview, Probable XI, Pitch Report, and Updates

The much anticipated five-match T20I series between India and South Africa is set to start at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on June 9. Talking about the men in blue, they are playing with a second-string team while the Proteas have arrived in India with a full-strength squad. A lot of senior players in the Indian team are rested and it gives them the opportunity to test a few players. On the other hand, the Temba Bavuma-led side would look to get some form going from this series.

Team News:

India: Under the leadership of KL Rahul, the team would like to start the five-match series with a win. The team has been going through intense training sessions. It looks like left-arm medium-pacer Arshdeep Singh would make his debut while Umran Malik might have to wait. Ruturaj Gaikwad might open the innings with Rishabh Pant taking the wicketkeeping responsibility. Shreyas Iyer, Dinesh Karthik, Deepak Hooda, and Hardik Pandya will take the middle-order batting responsibility. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Avesh Khan, Harshal Patel, and Yuzvendra Chahal likely to be in the bowling department

Probable XI: KL Rahul (c), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shreyas Iyer, Deepak Hooda, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Avesh Khan

South Africa: They are playing their first T20I international since the 20-20 World Cup last year. In the meanwhile, the Temba Bavuma-led side would like to bring their A-game right from the start with the 20-20 World Cup approaching in the next few months.

Probable XI: Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Temba Bavuma (c), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje

Pitch Report: 

The wicket at the Arun Jaitley was notoriously slow in the pre-COVID era. However, in the few Indian T20 League 2021 games, the wicket played well for the batter despite of the heat. The same can be expected and thus, the fans could witness a high-scoring game with the small ground dimensions.

Match Details

Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi

Date: 9th June 2022

Time: 7:00 PM (IST)

Broadcasting details: Star Sports Network and Disney + Hotstar