After decimating the Proteas in the six-match ODI series, India will be hoping to take their form in to the three-match T20I series starting in Johannesburg today.
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The hosts will put out a very different side as opposed to the one that faced India in the ODIs, with JP Duminy announced as the new captain. South Africa will have their talisman AB de Villiers though, as the brilliant batsmen will play in all three matches.
India is expected to make a few changes to their squad, with Suresh Raina all but sure to return to the starting XI.
OPENERS
Rohit Sharma
Other than one fantastic century in the fifth ODI, Rohit Sharma had a very poor series with the bat.
But that you can never count out Rohit, as he is one of the modern greats in limited overs cricket. Expect him to score big in the T20I series!
Shikhar Dhawan
The attacking left hander had a wonderful time with the bat, as Dhawan showed good form in the ODI series.
The opener scored a century at Johannesburg, and will be looking to perform once again in the T20I series.
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.
And they say he favours T20 cricket over the test and ODI format!
Suresh Raina
The veteran star is all but expected to mark his return to international cricket, as Raina will boost the middle-order and provide experience to the side.
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.
Manish Pandey
Pandey surprisingly did not get much of a look in during the ODI series, which is why he is expected to get his chance in the three T20Is.
With competition at an all-time high, Pandey 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 rested for the final ODI and will be expected to lead the bowling line-up in this series.
Kuldeep Yadav
One half of the most potent spin-duo in world cricket right now, Kuldeep Yadav has had a wonderful tour so far.
With three more matches to go, Yadav will be expected to pick up wickets and help strangle the Proteas in the middle overs.
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.
