The Indian bowlers will go through yet another test of bowling on a small ground when the host meets South Africa with a hope to bounce back in the second T20I at the Barabati Stadium here on Sunday.
The first of the five-match series was a lesson for the Indian bowlers, who faced the heat of the Proteas firepower in Delhi and witnessed a 200-plus total getting overhauled comfortably.
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Experienced seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar admitted that the home bowlers needed to perform better.
On a lighter vein, Bhuvneshwar said, “I wish South Africa dropped Miller, but they will not do so.” In saying so, he underlined the southpaw’s imperious form.
Apart from Miller, who seems to be playing in an extended Indian Premier League, India will look to negate the threats of the clean-hitting Rassie van der Dussen – who combined with Miller to fashion South Africa’s biggest run chase – the seasoned Quinton de Kock, versatile captain Temba Bavuma and other big hitters in the opponent’s camp.
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India may be tempted to do some experiments by fielding a few IPL stars, such as Umran Malik and Arshdeep Singh.
As Ishan Kishan blasted a half-century and Hardik Pandya played a cameo in the middle order in Delhi, the Rishabh Pant-led India would like to see its batters continue in destructive mode.
In humid and possibly overcast conditions, the home batters need to handle skillful South African pacers Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje and Wayne Parnell – who can mix things up and use the short ball well – as effectively as possible.
South Africa will play a T20I at the venue for the second time. The last match between the two teams in 2015 was marred by an unpleasant bottle-throwing incident.
Barabati, which is staging an international match after two-and-a-half years, had more than 10,000 fans during Indian team’s practice on Saturday and may have a full house on the match day.
