Watch: Indian players sweat it out in Delhi ahead of first T20I vs South Africa

With only two days left for India’s first T20I against South Africa in Delhi, Indian players were seen practising in the nets. According to a report by News9, Some of the players decided to miss the optional training session such as Hardik Pandya, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Harshal Patel. On the other hand, players such as KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Ishan Kishan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, etc hit the nets.

As it happens in the practice sessions, opening batters start the proceedings which are why Rahul, Kishan, and Ruturaj Gaikwad hit the nets first. Shreyas Iyer followed after and was troubled by the pace and bounce from net bowlers. Notably, Iyer had a tough time facing the short-pitched deliveries from pacers in the Indian T20 League 2022.

These players were joined by Pant, Dinesh Karthik, Venkatesh Iyer, and Deepak Hooda.

On the other hand, pacers such as Umran Malik, Avesh Khan, and Arshdeep Singh were seen practising in the nets as well.

The series will be important for both teams as they are looking to prepare for the 20-20 World Cup which is to be played in October this year. The Men In Blue have rested a lot of first-choice players for the series and have given the opportunity to domestic performers. On the other hand, the Proteas have arrived in India with a full-strength squad.

They are playing their first T20I series since the 20-20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates last year. Only Tristan Stubbs has got the maiden call-up in the team. On the other hand, the hosts have given maiden call-ups to Umran Malik and Arshdeep Singh. Both teams will be looking to take a lead in the five-match series on June 9.

For the first time in two years, teams won’t be living in a bio-bubble as decided by the BCCI. However, players will be tested regularly. One of the major reasons for not having a bio-bubble is the controlled situation of the COVID19 pandemic in the country.