SKY To Hammer Jansen; Who Will Dismiss Klaasen? Player Battles For IND vs SA 1st T20I

SKY has dominated Jansen in international cricket [Source: @surya_14kumar/X]

On Friday, India will lock horns with South Africa in the first T20 International of the upcoming four-match series. Led by Suryakumar Yadav, the Indian team has a formidable lineup, studded with several match-winners. The last time India toured South Africa for a T20I series, Suryakumar Yadav's men recorded an impressive victory in the rainbow nation. So, moving on to this series, South Africa would be keen to assert home dominance and give the visitors a run for their money. 

However, there are several on-field contest that might decide the game's outcome. As both teams gear up for a fascinating battle, let's analyse and find out three key player battles to watch out for in this match. 

Heinrich Klaasen vs Varun Chakravarthy (in T20Is)

Hailed for his scintillating stroke play, Heinrich Klaasen will be the biggest threat to India in this match. The middle-order batter is the most effective middle-overs enforcer currently and has dominated India's premier spinner Varun Chakravarthy. As mentioned above, Klaasen has a belligerent strike rate of 175 against Chakravarthy and might neutralise him in this match. 

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Suryakumar Yadav vs Marco Jansen (in shortest format)

India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has been the most valuable asset for them in the shortest format. The explosive number three batter is on the verge of several milestones, which he can achieve in the Durban T20I. 

Interestingly, Suryakumar Yadav has a phenomenal record against ace South African pacer Marco Jansen, having struck at a rollicking pace of 328.57. So, this battle promises to be a cracker, with Surya preparing to take on Jansen in the Proteas' backyard. 

Reeza Hendricks vs Arshdeep Singh (in international cricket)

In Jasprit Bumrah's absence, Arshdeep Singh will spearhead India's pace battery on South African soil. The left-arm pacer has been a prolific performer against South Africa, scalping 10 wickets in six matches. His record against the hosts' premier batter Reeza Hendricks is impressive. As Arshdeep has dismissed Hendricks three times in international cricket, it will be interesting to see if the batter turns things around this time. 

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