India, the defending champions led by Suryakumar Yadav, enter the tournament as overwhelming favourites. Yet, even before a ball has been bowled, the event has been overshadowed by diplomatic tension and controversy.
Royals’ seamer Ottniel Baartman had 15 runs to defend in the final over, and after Kagiso Rabada smashed the third delivery for six over long off, it seemed the momentum had swung MI Cape Town’s way.
India’s chase of a modest 118 in the third T20I at Dharamsala appeared the perfect stage for Suryakumar to regain his rhythm, yet the fluency that once made him the world’s top-ranked T20I batter was largely absent.
The stadium is hosting its first men’s international cricket match and becomes the 55th venue in India to join this bandwagon. India are currently leading the five-game series 1-0, and a win on Thursday will help them make it 2-0.
It is an opportunity to reset the narrative, and once again, the responsibility will fall heavily on the shoulders of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the two pillars who have carried India’s ODI cricket for over a decade.
"We knew they would come out with guns blazing," said stand-in South African captain JP Duminy on Wednesday.
India have a chance to reclaim their top spot as they host New Zealand in a three-match ODI series.
Star batsman De Villiers was not available for the Test series against Bangladesh.
Morkel's injury adds to a long list of injured South African fast bowlers.
The 33-year-old's recent slump in form prompted speculation that he might retire from one format.
