The Indian cricket team is gearing up for the First T20I match against South Africa at the Sahara Stadium in Durban. Under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, the team features prominent players like Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, and Rinku Singh. A key point of interest for fans is whether Tilak Varma will take the field today.
Is Tilak Varma Playing Today?
Yes, Tilak Varma is playing in today’s match, and he has a special reason to celebrate. The stylish left-handed batter turns a year older today, November 8. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) extended their birthday wishes to him on social media, stating, “Wishing a Happy Birthday to #TeamIndia Batter Tilak Varma @TilakV9.”
Tilak is expected to bat at number three, following wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson and opener Abhishek Sharma. This match marks his return to the national squad after a hiatus since January when he last played against Afghanistan.
Tilak Varma last donned the Indian jersey in January 2024, where he scored 26 runs off 22 balls against Afghanistan. He recently led India in the Emerging Teams Asia Cup but faced disappointment as they lost to Afghanistan in the semi-finals.
South Africa Win Toss
The Indian squad for this T20I series includes several exciting talents. Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma will open the innings, with Tilak Varma likely coming in at number three. Captain Suryakumar Yadav will bat at number four, followed by Hardik Pandya and Rinku Singh.
Notably, this match is significant as it is the first encounter between India and South Africa since India’s triumph in the T20 World Cup final earlier this year.
South Africa’s captain, Aiden Markram, won the toss and opted to bowl first. However, Suryakumar Yadav expressed that his team preferred to bat first, stating, “We were looking to bat first. The wicket looks nice, better than the practice wicket. We will try to put runs on the board.”
As for South Africa, they are introducing a debutant today: Andile Simelane. The young all-rounder impressed during the CSA T20 Challenge with 12 wickets in six matches
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