Why is South Africa series important for India?

Team India in action [PC: Twitter]

After registering a clinical victory over World Champions Australia, India are gearing up for a three-match T20I series starting today. 

This series holds paramount importance for both teams, as it will be their final dress rehearsal before the all-important T20 World Cup in Australia scheduled next month. 

If we talk about it from India's perspective, this series will fine-tune their preparations for the mega event from multiple dimensions. So, as we move closer to a fascinating series, let's jot down its significance in the Indian context. 

KL Rahul and Bumrah will get more game time

Bumrah had a torrid time against Australia [PC: Twitter]

The aforementioned players have looked rusty after coming back from their respective injuries recently. While Rahul has blown hot and cold at the top, Bumrah couldn't live up to the expectations in the Australia series. 

These players are sure starters in India's World Cup eleven, so they must get some games under their belt before the marquee event. This series will give them ample game time; thus will be pivotal in getting them well-prepared for the World Cup. 

India's death bowling will genuinely be tested

Arshdeep Singh [PC: Twitter]

Indian bowlers have recently received a lot of flak for their ordinary bowling in the death overs. Apart from Arshdeep Singh, the other Indian seamers have failed miserably to keep the run rate in check in the slog overs.  

However, this series will be the first time India's two premier death bowlers, Arshdeep and Jasprit Bumrah, will bowl together in the last five overs. So, this series will give India a clear picture of where they actually stand when it comes to death bowling. 

It will decide Rishabh Pant's T20 WC future

Rishabh Pant has been out of favour in T20Is [PC: Twitter]

Rishabh Pant was axed from the Indian T20I team following a string of underwhelming performances in the Asia Cup. Despite having huge potential, the swashbuckling southpaw has unarguably struggled to make his mark in the shortest format. 

However, as Hardik Pandya is not in the team, Pant might be recalled to the playing XI in the South Africa series. And if he delivers impactful performances, we might see his miraculous entry into India's World Cup eleven. 

Apart from the things mentioned above, this series will also provide Deepak Chahar and Harshal Patel with an opportunity to show their mettle with the ball. Whoever impresses will likely get the nod if any first-choice seamer underperforms at any stage of the World Cup. 

Also Read: IND vs SA: Five Player battles to watch out for in the series