In preparation for an exciting four-match Twenty20 International series against South Africa that begins on November 8, the Suryakumar Yadav-led Team India has landed in Durban. The Indian team appears to be ready for a successful tour that combines seasoned players with exciting fresh potential, with interim head coach VVS Laxman filling in for Gautam Gambhir as he gets ready for the upcoming edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in the land down under.
The team engaged in a lighthearted, quiz-style conversation about South Africa's history and distinctive features in an effort to embrace the country's culture and create a dynamic atmosphere for the tour. Players Axar Patel and Abhishek Sharma led this playful session in which they quizzed their teammates on a variety of South African facts and team-specific peculiarities.
Abhishek was seen asking Tilak Verma questions like, "Is South Africa the only country with three capitals?" and the quiz was concluded with a hilarious question "Does Axar Patel have the loudest laugh in the squad?"
The relaxed vibe encouraged teamwork among the players and provided a fun prelude to what was anticipated to be a fierce and tough series. The series will travel throughout South Africa, with games held at St George's Park, SuperSport Park, and the legendary Wanderers Stadium, after the opening game at Kingsmead Stadium in Durban.
On the field, both teams have strong squads. Gerald Coetzee and Marco Jansen, two quick bowling talents, were recently added to South Africa's lineup under skipper Aiden Markram. In contrast, India's roster, which is captained by Suryakumar Yadav, is well-rounded and includes all-rounders Hardik Pandya, bowling ace Arshdeep Singh, and versatile Axar Patel. Tilak Verma and Rinku Singh, two up-and-coming performers, provide depth
IND vs SA Squads
India: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ramandeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Avesh Khan, Yash Dayal.
South Africa: Aiden Markram (C), Ottneil Baartman, Gerald Coetzee, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Patrick Kruger, Keshav Maharaj, David Miller, Mihlali Mpongwana, Nqaba Peter, Ryan Rickelton, Andile Simelane, Lutho Sipamla, Tristan Stubbs
