India set to host SA for five T20Is: Details here
What's the story
India are set to host South Africa for five T20Is after the conclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. The action-packed series will run for over a week before the Indian side travels to the UK for an unfinished Test and six white-ball matches. Notably, the SA series is a part of the Future Tour Programs (FTP). Here are further details.
Context
Why does this story matter?
The 2022 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will take place from March 26 to May 29 in Mumbai and Pune. The addition of Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants makes the tournament a 10-team affair. Thereafter, India and South Africa will be engaged in a T20I series. It will help the two sides prepare for the 2022 T20 World Cup.
Information
Key details about the series
As per Cricbuzz, the five-match T20I series will be held from June 9 to 19. Cuttack, Vizag, Delhi, Rajkot, and Chennai will likely be the five venues for the matches. Notably, Bengaluru and Nagpur were also in line to host the games.
Series
India lost Test and ODI series in SA this year
India traveled to South Africa in December 2021. They won the first Test in Centurion but went on to lose the three-match series 1-2. South Africa then routed India 3-0 in the three-match ODI series. India would want to avenge the loss in the T20I series at home in June. The Proteas last toured India in 2019 (Test series).
Schedule
What about India's away matches?
India will kick off their away summer by playing two T20Is against Ireland. A second-string Indian side is expected to play there. The Indians will then travel to England to play last summer's rescheduled fifth Test at Manchester, starting July 1. Thereafter, India are slated to play six white-ball matches. The limited-overs series include three T20Is and as many ODIs, starting July 7.