South Africa mindful of Indian fighting spirit

South Africa's limited-overs captain Temba Bavuma had expressed his desire to play and lead a franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Bavuma termed it as his "fantasy". Leading an IPL team might be Bavuma's desire, but leading his national side against India for a five-match T20I series from June 9 is a reality. To make sure the reality turns out to be a rewarding one, Bavuma has been sweating it out at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in the national Capital - the venue for the first T20 International between the two teams. The next four will be played in Cuttack (June 12), Visakhapatnam (June 14), Rajkot (June 17) and Bengaluru (June 19).

Read Also5 key duels to watch out for in India-South Africa T20I series

Team India will huddle back for international duty as they lock horns with South Africa in a five-match T20 International series from June 9.

South Africa have desisted experimentation for the series and have brought their No.1 team to the Indian shores. In comparison, India have rested regular skipper Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja - all key members of the playing XI - for the series. Some of the top performers of the IPL have been rewarded. Speed merchant from Jammu Umran Malik, left-arm quick Arshdeep Singh will be donning the India colours for the first time, while experienced pros Dinesh Karthik and Hardik Pandya make a much-anticipated return. Bavuma is well-aware of the depth in Indian cricket, and that's why expects a "highly-competitive" series. "It's obviously a new-look Indian side. A lot of guys who have done well in the recent IPL have been given opportunities. For us, as a team, we wouldn't be looking at it (the series) any differently. We don't really see it as taking on