India vs South Africa, ODIs: Players to watch out for
The Indian cricket team will be up against South Africa in a three-match ODI series, starting March 12. India, who lost the ODIs against New Zealand last month, will hope to bounce back against a resurgent Proteas outfit. SA thrashed Australia 3-0 recently and will be eyeing a similar feat. Here are the players to watch out for in the series.
Virat Kohli needs to break his barren run
Indian captain Virat Kohli has gone 23 innings across formats without a century. He had a dismal tour of New Zealand and was poor in both the ODIs and Tests. The SA ODIs will test Kohli's mettle. The 31-year-old, who excelled against Australia in January, will be hoping to steer his side with an able performance. Can he get to three figures?
Jasprit Bumrah will hope to bounce back
Indian star pacer Jasprit Bumrah hasn't had the best of times since returning from an injury in January. He looked flat and one dimensional in the ODIs against NZ. He failed to get a single wicket in the series and conceded over 50 in each match. Bumrah, who is the leading pacer, will have to play a key role as far India are concerned.
Heinrich Klaasen needs to continue his immense run
South Africa's Heinrich Klaasen got a new lease of life in the recently-concluded ODIs against Australia. The wicket-keeper batsman showed his value and consistency throughout the three games. He scored two fifties and a hundred to end the series with 242 runs. His runs helped South Africa seal the crucial moments. Against a top side like India, Klaasen will need to score immensely.
Lungi Ngidi could cause issues for Indian batsmen
With nine wickets in two ODIs against Australia, SA pacer Lungi Ngidi was top notch. He registered his best career bowling figures (6/58) as well and gave SA the desired impetus. Ngidi will hope to cause issues for the Indian batsmen and one would expect to see him extract help from the conditions. An intelligent bowler, Ngidi can be a real asset for SA.
