Ahead of IPL mega auction, India and South Africa stars renew T20I rivalry

South Africa vs India; Weeks ahead of the IPL mega auction, India and South Africa will meet in a four-match T20I series. There's a lot to look forward to as Durban prepares to host the series opener on Friday, November 8.

In Short

• Durban will host the T20I series opener on Friday
• India have a positive head-to-head record in T20Is in South Africa
• IPL auction will be on the minds of players from both teams

Ahead of the much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a young Indian side will be engaged in a four-match T20I series against South Africa in the Rainbow Nation from Friday, November 8. The iconic Kingsmead in Durban will host the series opener as the two teams meet for the first time since the T20 World Cup 2024 final in Barbados.

South Africa lost a game that was in their grasp, gifting Rohit Sharma and his men the coveted World Cup in Barbados on June 29. Both teams are missing several key players from that day and hence the T20I series is being looked at as a fresh start rather than an opportunity for ‘revenge’.

South Africa vs India, 1st ODI: Predicted XIs | Weather report

South Africa captain Aiden Markram made it clear that there have been no talks of ‘revenge’ or ‘grudge’ in their dressing room. India captain Suryakumar Yadav, on the other hand, said the young side is looking forward to the challenge against the Proteas as they look to continue their good run in T20I cricket.

It’s important to note that the T20I series is being played exactly two weeks before the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction. It’s an extra motivation for players from both sides to push hard and attract the attention of team owners and scouts who will be keeping a close eye on these four T20Is. The likes of Jitesh Sharma, Arshdeep SIngh and Avesh Khan along with uncapped Vijaykumar Vyshak are without contracts after they were released by their respective franchise.

On the other hand, only Heinrich Klaasen and Tristan Stubbs were the only two South African players retained ahead of the mega auction and several Proteas stars will be keen on making a mark in the T20I series.

’IPL AUCTION NOT THE FOCUS’

“I don't think it's the motivation to do well, but I think it's a bonus that potentially could follow. But, in the camp, I don't think there have been any discussions along those lines. But if guys put their hands up, and do well, it leads to more, I will certainly be really chuffed for them," Markram said, stressing South Africa players are not thinking too much about the auction.

For India, the upcoming series is an opportunity to establish their dominance in the shortest format of the game. India are heading into the series after a thumping 3-0 win over Bangladesh at home. India flexed their batting muscles, scoring 297 on the board.

SAMSON, ABHISHEK IN FOCUS

Sanju Samson will be in focus as the Rajasthan Royals captain will be keen on establishing his place as an opener after his maiden hundred which came in the record-breaking T20I in Hyderabad. On the other hand, there is pressure on Abhishek Sharma as the young opener has not been able to find a balance between aggression and caution — he has not crossed the 20-run mark in six of his seven innings in T20I cricket.

It remains to be seen if JItesh Sharma will get an opportunity as the wicketkeeper-batter is falling down the pecking order after a few missed opportunities.

FRESH FACES IN INDIA CAMP

While the rest of the batting line-up looks settled, India have a few fresh faces in Ramandeep Singh, Yash Dayal and Vijaykumar Vyshak who will be keen on getting an opportunity or two. Ramandeep, a big-hitter, an excellent fielder and medium pacer, was impressive in the recently-concluded Emerging Asia Cup. He will be on a high after having been retained by Kolkata Knight RIders.

Meanwhile, Vijaykumar and Dayal are part of a fresh-look pace attack that will be led by Arshdeep Singh. The return of Avesh Khan will also be keenly-followed, especially in the lead-up to the auction.

South Africa, meanwhile, will welcome the return of David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen as they look to win their first T20I bilateral series since 2022. Since playing the T20 World Cup final, South Africa were blanked 3-0 by West Indies and they also settled for a 1-1 draw against Ireland in the UAE.

SA vs IND: HEAD-TO-HEAD IN T20Is

South Africa have played 27 matches against India, winning 11 and losing 15 in T20Is. At home, South Africa have a poorer record, winning three and losing six out of nine matches.

In 2023, India drew a T20I series 1-1 under Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy.

PITCH AND CONDITIONS IN DURBAN

The Kingsmead has been a high-scoring T20I venue in the recent past and it’s expected to offer another good batting surface on Friday. However, persistent rain in the city might affect plans. Last year, the game against India in Durban was washed out without a ball being bowled.

PREDICTED XI, SA v IND 1st T20I

South Africa: Reese Hendricks, Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram (captain), Tristan Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Gerald Coetzee, Marco Jansen, Nqaba Peter, Keshav Maharaj, Ottneil Baartman.

India: Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (Captain), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, RInku SIngh, Ramandeep SIngh, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, Varun Chakravarthy, Yash Dayal.