Predicting India’s playing XI for 1st T20I against South Africa

Predicted India’s playing XI for the 1st T20I against South Africa. India will be up against South Africa in the first of the four T20Is at Durban on the 8th of November 2024. The last few weeks have been forgettable for the Indian team and the fans, though the squad against South Africa has no player who played in the Test series against New Zealand. It will be a very unique challenge for the visiting side.

The focus of India has been to build a good side since the retirement of big players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. While some of the players in the team are already well established, there are some spots which are up for the grabs. A good performance away from home could help the players to give themselves a good chance to have a longer run in the team.

Here is the India’s playing XI of India for the 1st T20I against South Africa in Durban –

Top Order – 

India’s top order consists of some explosive batters. Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson are likely to continue to open the batting. Abhishek has been one of the most aggressive batters of the year. Additionally, he can bowl a bit too. Sanju had a good show in the series against Bangladesh. He is likely to keep the wickets for India throughout the series.

At number 3, India could give a long run to Tilak Varma. The Southpaw can both anchor the innings and be aggressive when needed. In the last few months, he has not been able to be at his best form. However, the youngster has proven his abilities to step up against the best sides. He is a great fielder and can bowl some overs whenever necessary.

Middle Order – 

India’s middle order has a lot of experienced players. At number 4 will be the skipper Suryakumar Yadav himself. He is arguably the best T20 player in the world since his debut. There are not a lot of instances where SKY does not step up in this format. He would be looking to win the series as a skipper. At number 5, India could try Ramandeep Singh.

The emerging star was brilliant in the IPL 2024 for KKR. He also did well in the ACC Emerging Asia Cup, doing well as a batter and as a bowler. In the absence of Nitish Reddy, he has a good chance. At number 6, India has the might of Hardik Pandya. The star player has been at his best in the last few months. He brings the much-needed balance to the side.

Lower Middle Order –

In the lower middle order, India has Rinku Singh and Axar Patel. The former is the designated finisher in the side, but can also bowl if required. He has been one of the best finishers in the world in the last couple of years. Rinku was very unfortunate to miss out of the T20 World Cup 2024 squad. He would love to make a strong case for himself in the T20I side with his incredible consistency.

At number 8, India has the spin-bowling All-rounder in Axar Patel. The star player played a big role in India winning the T20 World Cup 2024. Against the same opponent in the final, he played a crucial knock, accelerating well in the middle overs. He could be one of the two spinners in the side. Having him in the lineup is invaluable for any side.

Bowlers –

India’s bowling lineup consists of two pacers and a spinner apart from the All-rounders. Arshdeep Singh will be the leader of the attack in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah. He will handle the death overs and would be important for India to take wickets with the new ball. To assist him from the other end is likely to be Avesh Khan.

The emerging pacer has been good whenever he has gotten chances. Avesh can bowl in any phase of the game. India might find it difficult to pick one among Ravi Bishnoi and Varun Chakravarthy. But the former might start as he has been the regular in the side. His batting and exceptional fielding is an added advantage. Varun could get his chances in the last couple of games.

India’s playing XI against South Africa for the first T20I –

Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Ramandeep Singh, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan

Disclaimer: This exclusive news is based on the author’s insights, analysis, and intuition. While reviewing this information, consider the points discussed and form your own conclusions.