India will be playing a series of T20s against South Africa in the month of June. Well, what is the need for such a series? What do the board aim to gain from this tour for a world cup that will be held in Australia? Well, not much. Why would South Africa agree to travel such a longway just for some T20s? Anyway, now that the tour is already scheduled, what the Indian team for the South African series will be?
Some players do not deserve a break
First of all, it is safe to understand that some of India’s regulars will take a break from this series. This includes Rohit Sharma, Bumrah, Kohli, Jadeja and Shami. Personally, I will not want to see some of these players take a break from an important series. Rohit Sharma, Bumrah and Jadeja. Why do I want these players to play? I do understand that they are all tired and have been playing almost non-stop cricket. 2.5 months of IPL must have taken a huge toll. They are also human and will look forward to a break from cricket for a few weeks. However, my point is that why would these players be given a break when playing for India when the same players were not given a break during the IPL?
It would have been understandable if their teams had a chance to proceed to the playoff. However, for Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, their chances of a spot in the playoffs were sealed by the time they played their 10th game. Why then did Bumrah & Rohit continue to play in the remaining games? It is safe to assume that Jadeja would have played for CSK if he weren’t injured. I can understand if Kohli or Shami or anyone who is not part of either Mumbai or Chennai teams to take a break for a shortwhile because their teams had a chance to qualify for playoffs but not players from Mumbai and Chennai.
Playing for the country must always take precedence over franchise anyday. Nonetheless, I do not think that the board will care and will certainly rest these players. Hence, let me analyse the players who are likely to play in the series.
The batsmen
Shikhar Dhawan, I know that he is not part of the Indian T20 team any longer but this is the 2nd Indian team and hence, Dhawan will very much be part of the team. Moreover, he is the leading Indian batsman in the ongoing IPL and he certainly walks-in easily. His opening partner will be either Ishan or Gill. Ishan has already played for India but his current form is woeful. It probably is because of the enormous pressure he found himself in after the record bid and the need for him to justify such a huge sum but he deserves a few more chances. Moreover, I do think that Gill is a Test match player and he must be properly groomed for the longer version of the game.
The middle order will be manned by Shreyas Iyer, Surya, Ruturaj and Dinesh Karthik. With the exception of Ruturaj, the other three batsmen are in good form. Karthik is in his belligerent best and instead of taking a chance in the World Cup, it will be better to test him against South Africa. Now that Karthik is hitting sixes out of will, there isn’t any room for Sanju Samson. He will have to wait for his time.
The allrounder
Hardik Pandya will be the lone all-rounder now that he has begun to bowl and has taken more responsibilities for Gujarat. Tough luck Venkatesh Iyer but he still has a longway to go. He had a fabulous first IPL season but has been found wanting this year. It is always the case. A player who has a good first season will struggle in their next because by then the opponents would have studied his game.
The bowlers
Though I think it is too early for him, Umran Malik will certainly be in the squad. If not for anything, the selectors would like to see how fares against an international side rather than at the IPL. If he can give a good account of himself in the games, he will be in the reckoning for the World Cup. He is likely to be assisted by Kumar who is still a good bowler with the white ball and the impressive Harshal Patel. Ashwin’s exploits with the bat and the ball are expected him to catapult him into one of the spinner’s role but I will certainly resist the urge to select him. White ball is not for him. Shastri and Kohli were quite categorical in that. Kuldeep & Chahal will come into the picture because they are in good form.
Conclusion to the Indian team for the South African series
Whatever team the selectors select, they must ensure that the games are not treated as preparation for the World Cup. Every international win is tough and hence, the best possible squad must play in the series. No one must be given a chance just because they are due. International cricket is a serious business and the board will do well to remember that.
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