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Team India On Cusp Of Massive T20 World Record In First T20I vs South Africa

The five-match T20I series against South Africa, starting on Thursday, presents a great opportunity for the Indian cricket team management to experiment with a young line-up ahead of the 2022 T20 World Cup. With many seniors like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma being rested to keep them fresh for the England Tour in July, the Indian squad for the series against South Africa bears a fresh look. Players like Umran Malik, Arshdeep Singh, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Deepak Hooda will be hoping to make an impact. Even comeback man Dinesh Karthik would aim to make the most of this chance.

India vs South Africa, 1st T20I: 5 Key Battles To Watch Out For

Team India will huddle back for international duty as they take on South Africa in a five-match T20 International (T20I) series from Thursday. The first match of the series will act as a platform for the hosts to chase an all-time 13-0 T20I winning record and become an all-time great team in this format leading to the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2022. The first match won't be a walk in the part for the Rishabh Pant-led team as the Proteas will look to halt the winning streak and continue their impressive form against Team India.

Watch: Rishabh Pant Aces Power-Hitting Drill Ahead Of Series Opener vs South Africa

Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant will be leading India for the very first time as he has been named as the captain for the series against South Africa after KL Rahul was ruled out due to a groin injury on Wednesday. Minutes after wrapping up the pre-match press conference, Pant went out to the middle and he practiced power-hitting right adjacent to the centre wicket.

Ekevwo, Godbless hit 100m final in Mauritius, Ogunlewe flops

[FILES] Trackfield

Focus on young India pacers for South Africa T20 series as Rishabh Pant named captain

A considerably weakened Indian team will look to get their preparations for the T20 World Cup under way against a full-strength South Africa in a five-match series that begins in Delhi on Thursday.

India vs South Africa: Drinks breaks after 10 overs to counter intense heat

The unrelenting heat wave, with the temperature hovering in the high 40s in the national capital meant both India and South Africa had to shift their afternoon practice to the evening over the last two days.

'Hard to accept': KL Rahul reacts after being ruled out of T20I series against South Africa

South Africa, India captain KL Rahul was ruled out of the five-match series due to an injury, and the unfortunate exit understandably left him disappointed. Rishabh Pant was named as India's captain, replacing Rahul who wished Pant all the luck. All-rounder Hardik Pandya will take over as vice-captain of the side, with seniors Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli rested for the series. In a message on his Twitter account, KL Rahul expressed his feelings after his chance to lead India for the first time at home ended in disappointment. He wrote, "Hard to accept but I begin another challenge today. Gutted not to be leading the side for the first time at home, but the boys have all my support from the sidelines. Heartfelt thanks to all for your support. Wishing Rishabh and the boys all the luck for the series. See you soon."

Rishabh Pant to lead India against South Africa

Rahul injures groin on eve of T20I seriesNEW DELHI: Rishabh Pant's journey in international cricket has been as unpredictable as his batting. He has zoomed through the ranks forever copping criticism for his flamboyant game. Even as doubts over his consistency continue, Pant became India's second youngest T20I captain as KL Rahul was ruled out of the T20I series against South Africa due to a groin injury on Wednesday. A carefree and happy-go-lucky man on the face of it, Pant wore an intense look during the optional training at the Ferozeshah Kotla on Wednesday, a day before the first T20I against South Africa. Juggling duties with match officials and his wicket-keeping drills under the scorching sun, Pant was getting ready for his big day. As he walked off the ground and headed for the pre-match press conference, he mentioned: "I am so glad this has happened at Kotla. Wish Tarak sir (his childhood coach who passed away last November) was there to witness this moment."

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South Africa Sport News

Team India On Cusp Of Massive T20 World Record In First T20I vs South Africa

India vs South Africa, 1st T20I: 5 Key Battles To Watch Out For

Watch: Rishabh Pant Aces Power-Hitting Drill Ahead Of Series Opener vs South Africa

Ekevwo, Godbless hit 100m final in Mauritius, Ogunlewe flops

Focus on young India pacers for South Africa T20 series as Rishabh Pant named captain

India vs South Africa: Drinks breaks after 10 overs to counter intense heat

'Hard to accept': KL Rahul reacts after being ruled out of T20I series against South Africa

Rishabh Pant to lead India against South Africa