South Africa Opts to Bowl in Crucial T20I Against India

In the second T20I, South Africa's captain Aiden Markram wins the toss and elects to field against India, aiming to level the series. With India leading 1-0, South Africa includes Reeza Hendricks in their lineup, despite weather challenges in Gqeberha. India retains the same team from their previous victory.

In a strategic move, South Africa's captain, Aiden Markram, chose to bowl first after winning the toss in the second T20I against India on Sunday. The match, a crucial opportunity for South Africa to level the series, takes place at St George's Park in Gqeberha, following India's opening win in Durban.

The South African team sees the return of Reeza Hendricks to the playing XI, replacing Kruger, as part of Markram's squad adjustments. He stated, 'We are going to bowl first again. With rain around, that's the obvious part. Hope the bowlers use the moisture.' Meanwhile, India's skipper Suryakumar Yadav expressed contentment with their strategy, saying, 'We wanted to bat first and play the same brand of cricket, happy with the things in the last match.'

The playing XI for South Africa consists of Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Reeza Hendricks, Tristan Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Andile Simelane, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, and Nqabayomzi Peter. India's lineup remains unchanged with Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Avesh Khan.

(With inputs from agencies.)