Cuttack, Dec. 8 -- Tomorrow evening, under the lights of Barabati Stadium, India will face South Africa in the opening T20I of a five-match series, and the hosts arrive with all the hallmarks of favourites.
With a 7pm start, the stage is set for a contest that promises excitement, but India's sparkling recent form and the comfort of home conditions mark them as the side to beat.
India stroll into the series riding a wave of confidence. Undefeated in this year's Asia Cup and with a hard-fought 2-1 triumph down under in Australia, they carry both swagger and substance. A world champion side in this format, they blend explosive batting with a varied and threatening bowling attack.
Abhishek Sharma, ever the vivacious spark at the top, will l...