IND vs SA: "How They Perform For India Will Matter" - Suresh Raina On The Importance Of T20Is Vs South Africa For Team India's World Cup Plans

Suresh Raina accepts the impending T20I series between Team India and South Africa will be critical for the IPL 2022 star performers to grandstand their abilities at the highest level. 

The Men In Blue will confront the Proteas in a five-match T20I series, with the primary game to be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on June 9. The likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah will be enjoying some time off during the series.

Subsequently, the selectors have picked a couple of skilled youngsters and a few veterans who are getting back in the game in the crew.

There Are A Lot Of Things To Look Out For: Suresh Raina

During a conversation on Star Sports, Suresh Raina was gotten some information about the significance of the South Africa series for Team India’s World Cup plans. He responded: 

“It is extremely important because you will get to see all the players who performed in the IPL. But how they perform for India will matter. The mindset is important if you have to play for India.” 

The former CSK star featured that the exhibitions of Umran Malik and Arshdeep Singh, and KL Rahul’s captaincy will be acutely watched. Raina elaborated: 

“When the matches happen, it will be extremely hot, the matches will be played in June. There are a lot of things to look for. Umran Malik, who is a talented bowler, Arshdeep, the way he has bowled, and KL Rahul as a captain. He has impressed a lot but it is now the turn of the Indian team, I feel he will do very well.” 

Malik and Arshdeep Singh will expect to get their first Team India cap during the T20I series against the Proteas. Rahul, in the meantime, will lead the side for the first time in a T20I series. 

This South African Series Is A Huge Audition For Indian Youngsters: Irfan Pathan

Irfan Pathan added that the national side ought to be nearly finalized in front of the Asia Cup, which is booked to be played before the World Cup. He observed: 

“The selectors and team management’s sights will be on the World Cup. How many matches are you going to get?

These five matches, you will play some matches in Ireland and England and after that, according to me, this audition has to be ended and you have to make your squad almost ready by the time you play the Asia Cup.” 

The former all-rounder closed by naming the South Africa series a gigantic tryout for the national team hopefuls. Pathan said: 

“You want to keep one or two players in your extras but no audition after that. But this South African series is a huge audition and along with that a fantastic opportunity for the youngsters.” 

Aside from the series against South Africa, fringe players are probably going to get one more chance to demonstrate their talents. India will contend in a T20I series versus Ireland, however, the vast majority of their regulars will be in England for the last match of their Test series. 

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