Team India lands in Durban ahead of T20I series and begins tour with South Africa quiz

Team India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, arrived in Durban ready for an action-packed four-match T20I series against South Africa starting on November 8. Interim head coach VVS Laxman will step in as Gautam Gambhir prepares for the boundary. – Gavaskar Trophy, the Indian team looks set for a promising tour that will combine experienced players with exciting new talent.

In an effort to embrace South African culture and set a lively tone for the tour, the team took part in a fun quiz show celebrating the heritage and unique attributes of South Africa. In this light-hearted session, led by players Abhishek Sharma and Axar Patel, they quizzed their teammates on a variety of South African facts and team personalities. Abhishek challenged Tilak Verma by asking, “Is South Africa the only country with three capital cities?” The quiz ended with a playful question: “Does Axar Patel have the loudest laugh in the team?”

The relaxed atmosphere fostered camaraderie among the players, creating a stress-free preparation for a series that was expected to be intense and competitive. Starting with the first match at Durban’s Kingsmead Stadium, the series will take place across South Africa, with games taking place at St George’s Park and SuperSport Park, culminating at the iconic Wanderers Stadium.

Both teams field formidable lineups. South Africa, captained by Aiden Markram, recently strengthened their squad with the addition of talented fast bowlers Gerald Coetzee and Marco Jansen. Meanwhile, India field a well-balanced batting line-up led by Suryakumar Yadav, which includes all-rounders like Hardik Pandya, ace bowler Arshdeep Singh and all-rounder Axar Patel. New talents Rinku Singh and Tilak Verma add depth and

India: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (VK), Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, Jitesh Sharma (VK), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ramandeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Vijaykumar Vishak, Avesh Khan, Yash Dayal.

South Africa: Aiden Markram (centre), Ottneil Baartman, Gerald Coetzee, Donovan Ferreira, Risa Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Patrick Kruger, Keshav Maharaj, David Miller, Mihlali Mpongwana, Nqaba Peter, Ryan Rickelton, Andile Simelane, Lutho Sipamla, Tristan Stubbs.