The Indian cricket team is all set to play a five-match T20I series against South Africa this month at home. It is a big opportunity for India to create a world record for the most consecutive wins by a nation in T20I cricket history. They are standing at 12-0 at the moment.
Interestingly, only one player from India’s first-ever T20I playing XI against South Africa is a part of the current squad. India played their first T20I against the Proteas on December 1, 2006. The Men in Blue won that match by six wickets on the penultimate ball of the match.
In this listicle, we will look at the Indian team’s playing XI from that game and where those players are now.
Openers of India in 1st ever T20I against South Africa – Virender Sehwag (c) and Sachin Tendulkar
Virender Sehwag was the first man to lead India in the T20 format. He opened the innings with Sachin Tendulkar. Sehwag scored 34 runs off 29 balls in that game, while Tendulkar aggregated 10 runs and took one wicket. It was the only T20I of Tendulkar’s career. Both players have retired now.
Middle Order – Dinesh Mongia, MS Dhoni (WK), and Dinesh Karthik
Mongia was the top scorer for India with 38 runs, while Dhoni got out for a duck. Both players have retired from international cricket, but Dhoni still plays in IPL. Dinesh Karthik was the Man of the Match for India with a 28-ball 31. He will play for the country in the upcoming series.
All Rounders of India in 1st T20I against South Africa – Suresh Raina and Irfan Pathan
Both all-rounders from the Indian playing XI have retired. Raina remained not out on three runs in that match, while Pathan bowled a spell of 0/30.
Bowlers – Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Sreesanth, and Ajit Agarkar
India played with four pace-bowling options in that game and one proper off-spinner. Zaheer Khan took the first wicket for the Men in Blue, dismissing Graeme Smith. The bowlers did a fine job to restrict South Africa to 126 runs in their 20 overs. All four bowlers, Harbhajan, Zaheer, Sreesanth, and Agarkar have now retired.
