Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shreyas Iyer and Ravi Bishnoi were not part of the Indian XI for the 2nd T20I. (PHOTOS: AP)India made some interesting team selections for the second T20 International against South Africa, which was to be played at St. George’s Park in Gqeberha on Tuesday.
Team India’s XI for the second game was missing Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shreyas Iyer and Ravi Bishnoi. India skipper Suryakumar Yadav explained that Ruturaj Gaikwad was unavailable for selection from the 2nd T20I due to an illness. he did not specify the nature of the illness.
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The exclusion of Iyer and Bishnoi was curious. Bishnoi recently rose to become the No 1 T20I bowler in the world while Iyer had thumped a 37-ball 53 against Australia at home. Tilak Verma was to come in at one drop, while Kuldeep Yadav was picked in the XI. South Africa captain Aiden Markram decided to field first after winning the toss.
The Indian team is playing South Africa after defeating the World Cup winners Australia 4-1 at home. The first T20I between India and South Africa in Durban was washed out due to rain. The team only have one more series scheduled to finalise their side for the upcoming T20 World Cup in West Indies and USA in June next year.
“We’re very happy to be here. Most importantly, happy to know there is some cricket around,” Yadav said after the toss. “It’s completely fine to (bat first). We were confused about what to do. Very happy to bat first. It’s an opportunity for everyone who is playing the game. The World Cup is around 5-6 months away. Have told the boys to enjoy themselves.”
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