India’s probable squad for T20I series against South Africa
The 15th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is nearing its business end with the final set to be played on May 29. There is no respite for the Men in Blue thereafter, as they will soon assemble for the five-match T20I series against South Africa at home, beginning June 9.
The selectors are expected to announce the squad by the time the IPL final is played and the hosts might miss a few players for varied reasons. While skipper Rohit Sharma is a certainty, there is every chance of the former captain Virat Kohli being given a much needed break. The 33-year-old is going through a tough phase currently, having registered three first-ball ducks in the ongoing IPL 2022.
So far, he has agggregated mere 216 runs from 12 matches at 19.33, and his fairly low strike-rate of 111.34 has also come under scrutiny. Kohli might not be the only player to miss this series.
India's last T20I assignment was the three-match home series against Sri Lanka, which had quite a few notable absentees. The IPL 2022 season might've just reopened doors for some of them. With Hardik Pandya proving his fitness and managing his bowling well for Gujarat Titans, he looks primed for a comeback, which leaves Venkatesh Iyer's spot uncertain.
Rohit and head coach Rahul Dravid suggested before the IPL that they have already zeroed in on the squad for the T20 World Cup. Hence, India might well play with a certain set of players consistently while resting players for a couple of matches in between to manage their workload.
In the bowling department, Jasprit Bumrah might be rested for a few matches with key England tour approaching, which includes the resceduled fifth Edgbaston Test. Deepak Chahar is also unlikely to be available for selection as he continues to recover from lower-back injury. Krunal Pandya could be in line to earn a recall, with Ravindra Jadeja having sustained a rib injury which has ruled him out of IPL 2022.