One wouldn’t call the day unproductive when stranded in the aesthetics of Dharamshala, even if the game has to be called off without a ball being bowled. Uprightly, what would have been a dog-eat-dog contest between bat and ball wasn’t ever looking to happen, especially after heavy downpour that lashed Dharamshala on Saturday. The ground staff, although, hinted the possibility of a game earlier, however, the rain Gods, yearning attention, wore off any such possibility.
A Window To Rethink
Nevertheless, the rain gives Kohli’s ‘young-team’ to rethink their tactics when they would face-off South Africa in Mohali on Wednesday. With the team already gearing up for the T20 World Cup, grabbing the opportunity seems to be the priority for experienced, less experienced and debutants. India has around 30 matches leading to the next T20 World Cup.
Talking about opportunities, for the T20 series, India has shown faith in both regular players besides some new faces. Several big names from the Caribbean tour have been rested and replaced by the likes of athletes including Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya.
Notably, bowlers, familiar with home conditions are also being given a chance to produce some bounce, which would be a key in 2020, in Australia. Washington Sundar, Deepak Chahar, Rahul Chahar, Khaleel Ahmed and Navdeep Saini are among the ones in the playing 15 for the tour.
South Africa Going Full Blow
“That (inexperience of Indian bowlers) is an area we are going to take advantage of. Our focus will be on ourselves and the little areas that we can take advantage of. And maybe, that’s one of them,” said Lance Klusener, the assistant batting coach of the team that didn’t share India’s thoughts when it comes to team selection.
South Africa has introduced three debutants – Temba Bavuma, Anrich Nortje, Bjorn Fortuin – in their playing 15 but their regulars’ posses a greater threat.
Among the experienced, David Miller, de Kock and Rabada can mess up things for the host. Moreover, pace-bowling all-rounders Dwaine Pretorius and Andile Phehlukwayo could provide some surprises as well.
