India vs South Africa, 2nd T20I, Preview: Focus shifts to Mohali after rain-marred start to the series

The Men in Blue have won both their T20Is at the IS Bindra Stadium in 2009 and 2016 respectively.

Published - 17 Sept 2019, 17:00 IST | Updated - 17 Sept 2019, 17:00 IST

4 Min Read

Both India and South Africa were filled with disappointment in the first game of the three-match T20I series at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala. It rained throughout the day and didn’t stop fully even during match time. In the end, the contest at the picturesque venue had to be abandoned without the toss. The groundsmen tried their hearts out, but the downpour kept undoing their work.

It’s time for the second T20I, which is scheduled to take place on September 18 at Mohali’s IS Bindra Stadium. For the time being, there is no forecast of rain and that should come as a sigh of relief for the players. Both teams will want to win the contest as a victory will help them take an unassailable lead. The Proteas didn’t have a great World Cup campaign, having bowed out before the semi-final.

However, the visitors can take heart from the fact that they are yet to lose a T20I versus the Men in Blue in the latter’s backyard. But it’s also a fact that India have won both their games in the shortest format in Mohali in 2009 and 2016 respectively. Earlier, India whitewashed the West Indies in the Caribbean. The hosts have put forth more or less the same squad for the upcoming matches as well.

Team Combinations

India

Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan are likely to keep opening the batting. Even as the former has done exceptionally in limited-overs cricket over the last few months, concerns remain over Dhawan’s form. The southpaw returned from a thumb injury in the West Indies tour, but couldn’t get going. Dhawan got a couple of fifties against South Africa ‘A’ and would be high on confidence.

Manish Pandey played the T20Is in the Caribbean and the management may want to give Shreyas Iyer a chance this time around. Rishabh Pant hasn’t shown enough consistency and he can’t afford to be complacent. Kohli got two tons in the West Indies. Hardik Pandya makes a return after two months. Navdeep Saini and Deepak Chahar would be hoping to replicate their shows from the West Indies.

Probable XI

Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli (C), Manish Pandey/Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Washington Sundar/Ravindra Jadeja, Navdeep Saini, Deepak Chahar, Rahul Chahar

South Africa

Quinton de Kock will be leading the national team for the first time. He has led in a couple of ODIs and both times, South Africa lost. The left-hander also had his difficulties in the World Cup, barring a handful of knocks here and there. Reeza Hendricks was highly impressive in the One Dayers versus India ‘A’ and he would be keen to use the decent run of form to cement his position in the senior team.

Rassie van der Dussen can switch gears and doesn’t get overawed by the situation. Miller is one of most experienced heads in the lineup and he also has decent knowledge about Indian conditions. Rabada didn’t do well in the World Cup, but it’s a matter of time before he find his rhythm. On spin-friendly tracks, Shamsi’s role will be crucial. He may have George Linde as his partner.

Probable XI

Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock (C & WK), Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, George Linde/Dwaine Pretorius, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Beuran Hendricks, Tabraiz Shamsi, Junior Dala/Anrich Nortje

Focus will be on

Shikhar Dhawan (India)

The world seemed perfect for Shikhar Dhawan, when he got the World Cup century against Australia back in June. Ever since, he has strained to find his feet, especially after his injury. The southpaw could muster only 27 runs in three T20Is in the West Indies. He is approaching 34 and a few more poor knocks could well see him out of the setup with many youngsters waiting in the wings.

Rassie van der Dussen (South Africa)

It’s not even a year when Rassie van der Dussen made his international debut. In the short time, he has already become a crucial member of the Proteas. In seven T20Is, he has gotten 253 runs at an average of 36.14 and a strike-rate of 133.15. Time and again, he has shown that he isn’t someone to crumble under pressure. It’ll be interesting to see how he adjusts to the Indian conditions.