India vs South Africa, 2nd T20I, Mohali: Preview, predictions, likely XIs

With the first T20I in Dharamsala washed out, the second becomes all the more important in a three-match series. The winner in Mohali will ensure they have an unassailable lead going into the final T20I in Bengaluru on Sunday.

India’s focus this series is on the youngsters. After the T20Is against West Indies, they have persisted with Rahul and Deepak Chahar, Washington Sundar and Krunal Pandya for this series. Hardik Pandya does make a return after an injury break, but regulars such as Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and MS Dhoni are not a part of the 15-man set-up.

Virat Kohli, the captain, and coach Ravi Shastri have both spoken on a roadmap before the Men’s T20 World Cup next year – the idea is to groom a younger side more in keeping with modern T20I sides for the tournament, and the hope is that, starting with the series against South Africa, young players will stand up to be counted.

South Africa have something of a similar approach. They have overhauled the squad, with Quinton de Kock handed captaincy reigns, call-ups for several youngsters, including Temba Bavuma, up till now considered a long-format specialist. How the side’s transition will go remains to be seen, but in a clash between two young sides, the winner becomes harder to predict. But more entertainment is assured.

Head to head

In 13 T20Is between the two sides, India have won 8 matches to South Africa’s 5. However, they are surprisingly poor against the Proteas at home, losing both matches they’ve contested in in India so far.

Key players

Rishabh Pant (India): As it is, there’s a lot of scrutiny on the temperament of Pant. Is he cut out for the a sensible, match-aware innings? It hasn’t helped his case that Ravi Shastri and Virat Kohli have publicly said he needs to improve his shot-selection, with the coach even saying he needs a ‘rap on the knuckles’. Pant needs to show his capabilities. And soon.

Quinton de Kock (South Africa): The washout in the first T20I will have helped no one, least of de Kock, who would have wanted his first game as full-time captain, and the pressures that come with it, out of the way. He will have to rev himself up for Mohali, and all eyes will be on him.

Likely XIs

India: Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli (c), Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Deepak Chahar, Navdeep Saini

South Africa: Quinton de Kock (c/wk), Reeza Hendricks, Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Junior Dala, Tabraiz Shamsi

Prediction

India possess too much might for this young South Africa side – the home side is expected to win, although South Africa could make it tricky for them.