SOUTH AFRICA TOUR OF INDIA, 2019
Hardik Pandya returns for South Africa T20Is
Hardik Pandya missed the tour of West Indies. © Getty
Hardik Pandya
has been named in a 15-man squad for the three-match home T20I series
against South Africa. The 25-year-old all-rounder, who last played at
the 2019 World Cup, was rested from the ongoing tour of West Indies
after picking up a minor niggle during the latter stages of the marquee
50-over tournament in England.
First choice fast bowlers Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah
have been rested as India continue their hunt for backup fast bowling
options for their T20 side ahead of next year's World Cup in Australia. MS Dhoni,
who took a two-month sabbatical at the end of the World Cup, continues
to miss out furthering the uncertainty around his future in
international cricket.
Squad: Virat Kohli (c), Rohit Sharma (vc), Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Krunal Pandya, Washington Sundar, Rahul Chahar, Khaleel Ahmed, Deepak Chahar, Navdeep Saini
Notwithstanding a very inexperienced pace attack - Khaleel Ahmed,
Navdeep Saini and Deepak Chahar have cumulatively played 16 T20Is - the
return of Hardik will bolster an already strong looking batting order
while bringing in the added dimension of his fast bowling.
By opting to not reinstate the wrist spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and
Yuzvendra Chahal, the MSK Prasad-led selection panel has also thrown its
weight behind Ravindra Jadeja, Krunal Pandya, Washington Sundar and
Rahul Chahar - three of who can also chip in with the bat - as India
continue exploring different combinations ahead of next year's T20 World
Cup in Australia.
The three-match T20I series against South Africa begins on September 15
in Dharamsala with subsequent games in Mohali (September 18) and
Bengaluru (September 22). This will be followed by a three-Test series
beginning on October 2.
© Cricbuzz
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