After losing a 3-match Test series at home to New Zealand, the Indian cricket team is now set for an exciting 4-match T20 series tour in South Africa. However, the T20 team is completely different from the Test team, with all young players included. Once again, Suryakumar Yadav will lead the Indian T20 side. The first T20 match will be played at Kingsmead Cricket Stadium in Durban on Friday, November 8. Let’s take a look at the possible playing XI for India.
Who will be India’s openers?
For the first T20 against South Africa, Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson are likely to open the innings. Both players opened together in the recent T20 series against Bangladesh, where Sanju hit a powerful century in Hyderabad.
Tilak Varma in the middle order
Tilak Varma could be seen in the middle order alongside Suryakumar Yadav, who is known as “Mr. Dependable.” Tilak is returning to the T20 team after a long break, with his last match for India in January of this year. Hardik Pandya will also play a key role in the middle order, and Rinku Singh and Axar Patel might take on the finishing duties.
Which bowlers will India trust?
Besides Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy might be included as another spinner, with Ravi Bishnoi also likely to be given a chance. For pace options, Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan are expected to play, giving India a balance of three pace and three spin options in the bowling lineup.
India’s probable playing XI for the first T20
Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, and Avesh Khan
South Africa’s probable playing XI for the first T20
Ryan Rickelton, Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram (captain), Heinrich Klaasen, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Keshav Maharaj, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Ottniel Baartman, Peter Kruger