The squad for the T20I series against South Africa was announced by BCCI on Sunday. The team will take on the Proteas in five T20I games between 9th and 19th June this year. In this article, we predict India’s strongest playing XI for the T20I series against South Africa starting this June. Before that, let’s take a look at the squad that has been selected for the competition.
India’s T20I squad: KL Rahul (Captain), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, Deepak Hooda, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (vice-captain)(wk), Dinesh Karthik (wk), Hardik Pandya, Venkatesh Iyer, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik.
Openers: KL Rahul (C) and Ishan Kishan
KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan will be the openers in India’s strongest playing XI for the T20I series against South Africa starting this June. Although he is part of the Test squad, KL has not been rested for the assignment. The Karnataka opener will also lead the squad. In the last few tournaments, Ishan Kishan has opened the batting for India. Hence, he is likely to continue in the role.
Middle-Order: Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik (WK)
Shreyas Iyer was India’s match-winner in the last T20I series. He batted at No.3 and showed excellent form. Therefore, he is sure to be in the playing XI. Like KL Rahul, Pant has also not been rested. Although he is part of the strongest XI, it would not be a surprise if he takes a break within the series if India wins it early.
The talking point is the return of Dinesh Karthik to the squad. Owing to his blockbuster form in IPL 2022, the veteran is back to donning the Indian jersey. He will play the finisher’s role in this XI.
All-Rounders: Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel
Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel will be the all-rounders in this XI. It is after a long time that Hardik will be playing for India again. Axar had an unconvincing IPL but he will be backed to come good, especially in the absence of Ravindra Jadeja for this series.
Bowlers: Harshal Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal
India will have a strong bowling attack for this series. Harshal Patel and Bhuvneshwar Kumar have played for India recently and will form the core of the attack. Of course, Yuzvendra Chahal is a certain inclusion after his recent form in IPL 2022.
Arshdeep Singh has earned a call-up and he is likely to get an opportunity straight away. However, it would not be a surprise if Avesh Khan is picked because the Madhya Pradesh man offers better value with the new ball.
