mobile app bar

KL Rahul to be given a chance in the 2nd T20I against South Africa

Siddharth Nair
Published

India started off the T20I series in grand fashion with a comfortable win over the Proteas at Johannesburg.

JP Duminy’s side once again failed with the bat, and will be looking to step it up in the remaining two matches.

India is expected to make a few changes to their squad, with Suresh Raina all but sure to retain his spot to the starting XI.

OPENERS

Rohit Sharma

Rohit started off like a house on fire in Johannesburg, as the talented opener got India off to a great start.

The Mumbai star will be hoping to make a more meaningful contribution in this match.

Shikhar Dhawan

The attacking left hander had a wonderful time with the bat, as Dhawan showed good form in the ODI series and continued that in the first T20I.

No doubt one of India’s biggest weapons in the match.

MIDDLE ORDER

Virat Kohli (captain)

At the absolute zenith of his cricketing powers, Virat Kohli has been virtually unstoppable on his tour. Kohli has already scored four centuries against the hosts, as his performances with the bat have evoked memories of Sir Viv Richards in his pomp.

He had a rare failure in the 1st match, but is surely expected to score big in the next two games.

Suresh Raina

Raina returned to the side and smashed his way to 15 of just 7 deliveries before he perished. The star will surely be looking to play better in the next couple of mathces.

Raina will be looking to re-establish his place in the middle order as the left-hander will be hoping to have one last run in the national side.

KL Rahul

Manish Pandey did not make the most of his opportunity, which is why Rahul should get his chance in the 2nd T20I.

With competition at an all-time high, Rahul will be hoping to make an immediate impression with the bat.

MS Dhoni

The legendary wicket keeper breezed through the ODI series, as Dhoni was not really needed to perform with the bat.

Mahi will be looking to make more of an impact in the T20I series, as India will need their finisher to bring the fireworks at the death.

Hardik Pandya

After a dismal opening few matches in the ODIs, Pandya re-discovered his form in the last two games, as the all-rounder regained his swagger and confidence.

With India expected to play both spinners again, Pandya will be expected to make a crucial impact in the T20I series.

BOWLERS

Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has had a wonderful tour of South Africa, but his exploits may have jaded him in the ODIs.

That being said, he was the man of the performance in the first T20I, and will hope to continue that form in the remaining two T20Is.

Jaydev Unadkat

While he did not set the world on fore, Unadkat was pretty decent and will be looking to establish himself in the T20I setup.

Yuzvendra Chahal

The other half of the spin-duo, Chahal has had a less impressive tour as compared to Kuldeep Yadav.

That being said, Chahal has been irresistible at times, and will be expected to continue that form in the T20I series.

Jasprit Bumrah

India’s best T20 bowler had a pretty decent ODI series, but not as impressive as the test leg of this tour.

Bumrah is expected to shine in the shortest format though, as the pace bowler will be looking to enhance his burgeoning reputation.

About the author

Share this article