Published By: Sanchari Das

SA vs. IND T20I: Rinku, Abhishek, and Hardik Need to Step Up as Series Hangs in Balance

The T20I at Centurion offers a chance for these underperforming players to make amends

As India and South Africa head into the crucial third T20I, several players are yet to leave a significant mark on the ongoing series. Sanju Samson’s heroic century in the first game set the tone for India, but there have been notable performance gaps from key batters and bowlers. With the series tied 1-1, these players must step up and contribute in the upcoming matches. Let’s look at some players who have struggled and need to make an impact.

Abhishek Sharma

Abhishek Sharma, retained by Sunrisers Hyderabad for a hefty 14 crore, still needs to justify his selection so far. His performances in the first two T20Is were disappointing, scoring just 7 runs and four runs, respectively. In both instances, he fell prey to short-pitched deliveries, exposing a weakness in his technique. Despite his explosive century against Zimbabwe earlier this year, his recent scores have been below par. With Yashasvi Jaiswal as the first-choice opener post-Rohit Sharma’s retirement, Abhishek needs a big knock soon to retain his spot in the side.

Tilak Varma

Tilak Varma showed glimpses of his potential with a brisk 33 in the series opener but has since failed to build on that promise. His performance in the second T20I was lacklustre, contributing only 20 runs before being dismissed by a stunning catch. Varma has been out of the national team setup since January and is eager to prove himself in the middle order. With the competition for places heating up, the young left-hander needs to step up and convert his starts into substantial innings to secure his spot.

Rinku Singh

Rinku Singh, retained by Kolkata Knight Riders for 13 crore, has been unable to find his rhythm in the series. He managed scores of 10 and 9 in the first two matches, failing to deliver the kind of impact he is known for. In the first T20I, he was dismissed by Gerald Coetzee after misjudging a slower ball. His dismissal in the second game was another soft one, gloving a bouncer to the keeper. As a middle-order batter known for his finishing abilities, Rinku’s failures have added pressure on India’s fragile batting lineup.

Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya, a key figure in India’s T20 setup, has struggled with the ball in this series. The star performer of the T20 World Cup has gone wicketless in both matches against South Africa. In the first T20I, he conceded 27 runs in three overs, while in the second game, he gave away 22 runs without taking a wicket. Despite his efforts with the bat, including a crucial 39 in the second T20I, Pandya’s lack of wickets has put additional pressure on India’s bowling attack, which needs his all-round abilities to shine.

Avesh Khan

Avesh Khan started the series on a positive note, picking up crucial wickets in the first T20I. However, his economy rate was a concern, conceding 28 runs in just 17 balls. In the second match, he struggled to make an impact, finishing wicketless and giving away 23 runs from three overs. The pacer’s inconsistency has raised questions about his role in the team, especially with a series-deciding game coming up. Avesh needs to tighten his lines and offer more control if he hopes to remain in the mix for future T20I matches.

Middle-order misfires highlight concerns

The Indian middle order, which appeared strong on paper, has been a significant letdown in this series. Suryakumar Yadav got starts but failed to capitalise, while Hardik Pandya and Rinku Singh have struggled to form partnerships. The collapse from 166/2 to 202/8 in the first T20I was a glaring example of the fragility. With key players failing to anchor the innings, India will need better performances from the likes of Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya to avoid similar collapses in the upcoming matches.