The BCCI, on Sunday, announced Team India’s squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against South Africa. The Men in Blue will host the Proteas for a five-match series next month. The series will get underway on June 9 in Delhi and will end with the fifth and final game on June 19 in Bengaluru.
As expected, several all-format players have been rested for the upcoming series. The star trio of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah have been rested for the series while Rishabh Pant has been named in the squad. The young wicketkeeper was expected to be rested for the series. Pant is one of India’s most important all-format players but the selectors have decided to name him in the team.
New faces in the team:
Umran Malik has received his maiden call-up from Team India after starring in IPL 2022. The young fast-bowler from Kashmir has impressed one and all with his raw pace and wicket-taking ability in the tournament. Malik has constantly touched the 150 kph mark this season and has picked up an impressive 23 wickets including a five-wicket haul.
Along with Malik, Arshdeep Singh has also earned his maiden call-up. The left-arm pacer from Punjab put up an impressive display in the death overs of IPL 2022. His ability to bowl yorkers at will has impressed many. Talking about his stats, he has picked up 10 wickets this season while maintaining an economy-rate of less than 8.
Recalled players:
The selectors have also recalled several players to the team for the upcoming series. Dinesh Karthik has been named in the squad after his impressive display in IPL 2022. The veteran wicketkeeper-batsman has scored 287 runs in 14 games so far at a stunning strike-rate of more than 191. Karthik has once again showed his finished abilities in IPL. The right-handed batsman last played for India way back in 2019.
Apart from Karthik, allrounder Hardik Pandya has been recalled to the team too. The allrounder has not played for India since last year’s T20 World Cup due to an injury. Pandya returned to action through the ongoing IPL and has looked in good form.
KL Rahul to lead:
With Rohit Sharma rested for the series, KL Rahul will lead Team India against South Africa. Rishabh Pant has been named as the vice-captain of the team.
India’s squad for South Africa T20Is:
KL Rahul (C), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, Deepak Hooda, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (VC), Dinesh Karthik, Hardik Pandya, Venkatesh Iyer, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik