Former Indian batter Wasim Jaffer said that KL Rahul’s absence is a major setback for India, as he feels South Africa will start as the favorites in the 1st T20I of the upcoming five-match series, starting on June 9 at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
He also said that he was unsure of Kuldeep Yadav getting a chance in the first T20I against South Africa. However, the spinner was ruled out of the series after being hit by a bowler on his right hand while batting in the nets, while Rahul suffered a groin injury during the practice session.
Wasim Jaffer told ESPNcricinfo: “If you have to look at both sides, I think SA start as favorites 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 favorites because they have probably brought their best team. They have a potent bowling attack, and their spinners are quite good.”
Meanwhile, former South African speedster Dale Steyn has predicted that it will be a tight series.
Explaining his remark, he told ESPNcricinfo: “It’s a close one. All the Indians have been playing cricket. They have been playing in the IPL. It’s always good to have some game time under your belt. There are some key positions where South Africa has been playing.”
Steyn signed off by saying, “Opening the batting with Quinton de Kock, he’s been playing. (Aiden) Markram and Rassie (van der Dussen) have been playing. David Miller at 5-6 has been doing really well, and then (Kagiso) Rabada and (Anrich) Nortje at the backend. It’s going to be a tight series.”
