IND vs SA: In KL Rahul's Absence, South Africa Set To Start As Favorites, Wasim Jaffer Says

Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer believes that the late injury to stand-in captain, KL Rahul, is a huge setback to the Indian team which makes South Africa the favourites for the 5-match T20I series.

Rahul was ruled out due to a right groin injury with Rishabh Pant being named as the captain. The Karnataka batter’s absence at the top might prove to cause issues for the Indian team, as per Jaffer.

“If you have to look at both sides, I think SA start as favourites now that KL Rahul is not there. Even though Kuldeep Yadav has got injured, I had my doubts about whether Kuldeep would have played in the first XI in the 1st T20I.”

“But KL Rahul’s absence is a major setback for India. South Africa will start as favourites because they have probably brought their best team. They have a potent bowling attack, and their spinners are quite good,” Jaffer told ESPNcricinfo.

“Absolutely thrilled to see these two guys getting the India call-up” – Irfan Pathan on Umran, Arshdeep

Irfan Pathan couldn’t be more excited to see how the two youngsters in the team, Umran Malik and Arshdeep Singh, develop after receiving their maiden national team call-ups ahead of the Proteas series.

“Umran Malik – Wow – you know, he’s bowled consistently at 150km. I’m really impressed with him. The whole world is excited, not just India because there aren’t many who can bowl consistently 150km in the world.”

“Absolutely thrilled to see these two guys getting the India call-up. Arshdeep Singh has been bowling well since a long time now. A left-arm bowler does give you a different angle, but the way he has bowled in the death is what has impressed me the most,” Pathan added.

Also Read – IND vs SA: Gutted Not To Be Leading The Side; Wishing Rishabh Pant And The Boys All The Luck For The Series – KL Rahul