T20 World Cup 2022: Three IPL South African stars who could cause India problems

Not only will this be the ninth T20I the two sides will be playing against each other in 2022 alone – they played a five-match series after the IPL 2022 as well as a three-match series before the World Cup – but the sides share plenty of familiarity due to the number of South Africans who play the IPL. 

The franchise cricket league has recently been a happy hunting ground for many a star from the Proteas. With that in mind, three South African IPL stars could hurt India at the T20 World Cup. 

Quinton de Kock – The left-handed wicketkeeper-batsman who opens the innings hasn't been at his finest in recent times but is a destructive batsman who, on his day, can singlehandedly win his side any game. 

Quinton De Kock has been one of the most featured South Africans in the IPL, winning the trophy with the Mumbai Indians and being a vital part of Lucknow Super Giants' new side. And he is also the first choice for the national team. 

Aside from his big hitting, De Kock also can bat long once set – meaning he could trouble India unless he is dismissed early on. Expect India to leave no stone unturned in getting him out and preventing him from getting set. 

David Miller – Calling Miller an 'IPL star' might seem like a stretch, especially given that before 2022 he was seen as someone who didn't live up to his potential. But after powering the Gujarat Titans to the IPL title, everything has changed. 

David Miller is not only more consistent with the bat now, but he's addressed arguably his most significant concern – his weakness against spin bowling. And his renewed self-belief makes him an extremely potent finisher for the Proteas. 

Even if India can make early inroads, Miller's will arguably be their crucial wicket. The southpaw's one-track-minded approach to hitting the ball as hard as possible makes him an extremely dangerous customer. 

Kagiso Rabada – It's little surprise that one of the best fast bowlers in the world across all formats is someone who's thrived under the bright lights of the IPL. Kagiso Rabada has shone for whichever franchise he's played for, be it Delhi Capitals or Punjab Kings. 

His ability to bowl accurately and at an express pace make him hard to deal with on most days, but his consistency and penchant for nailing yorkers means he is one of the most demanding customers to deal with for any batsman. 

Again, his form hasn't been at its finest in recent times, and it is worth noting that he did struggle to be at his best during the current series against India. But the best players can turn it on at any given time, and Rabada's ability and confidence in himself means he will be the bowler the Indian team will be most wary about.  

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