First T20 Between India and South Africa Today: Explore the Probable Playing XIs for Both Teams

T20 Playing XI Prediction for India vs South Africa: The upcoming series against South Africa marks India's final major international T20 series before the Afghanistan series in mid-January.

India vs South Africa T20 Playing 11

The T20 series between India's young brigade and South Africa kicks off here on Sunday, promising a challenging encounter on lively pitches. Under the leadership of captain Suryakumar Yadav, the team secured a 4-1 victory in the T20 series against Australia at home, following the ODI World Cup. The youthful team is now determined to clinch another T20 series victory consecutively.

Notably, stand-in captain Hardik Pandya is unavailable until the start of the IPL, and key fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is on a break. Additionally, there is uncertainty regarding the T20 future of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma ahead of the T20 World Cup in June. Therefore, any speculation about the team's success or failure in South Africa remains uncertain.

The status of India's core team for the T20 World Cup will become clear just a month after the IPL, as player form and fitness will play a decisive role in the selection process. The series against South Africa before the Afghanistan series in mid-January marks India's final major international T20 series, leading up to the T20 World Cup.

Shreyas, Mukesh, Ishan All Included in Both Teams

India has announced a squad of 17 players for the T20 series, with only Shreyas Iyer, Mukesh Kumar, and Ishan Kishan being part of the 50-over format. However, the team faces several challenges, including the need to change the defensive approach of opening and number three batsmen, which proved to be a curse for India in the previous T20 World Cup.

Rituraj May Not Be Overlooked

Yashasvi has already shown that he can play at an aggressive level, and Shubman Gill has become the preferred choice in all formats. However, overlooking Ruturaj Gaikwad might prove difficult. The challenge is that if Jaiswal, Gill, and Gaikwad open the innings, Ishan Kishan does not have many good options after the fourth position. Moreover, India's number one T20 batsman and captain Suryakumar Yadav are present at number four.

Ishan to Face Challenge from Jitesh

Then, in the wicketkeeper's position, Kishan will face stiff competition from Jitesh Sharma, who has been performing well as a 'finisher' at number six. The fifth position is where Shreyas Iyer may face challenges from Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, and Andile Phehlukwayo, known for their short-pitched deliveries. If Ishan is included, Jitesh might not get a chance, as both are wicketkeeper-batsmen, and in that case, Rinku Singh may be included in the final eleven. Kingsmead will present a different challenge for players like

Ruturaj, Jaiswal, Rinku, and Jitesh.

Classen, Miller, Markram Can Trouble Bowlers

South Africa's main fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has been rested, but Enrique Nortje and Lungi Ngidi are formidable. However, the team will be strong on their home ground. Australia mostly troubled the Indian bowlers with attacking play, but length will be crucial in South Africa. Quinton de Kock won't be in the South African team, but Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, captain Aiden Markram, Tristen Stubbs, and Matthew Breetzke can pose challenges for the Indian bowlers. Ravindra Jadeja is the vice-captain in this series, and there are high hopes for his batting at number seven. Another spinner, the specialist googly bowler Ravi Bishnoi, is now the world's number one T20 spinner. Deepak Chahar, Arshdeep Singh, and Mukesh Kumar are expected to be the three fast bowling options.

Probable Playing XI for Both Teams

South Africa: Reeza Hendricks, Matthew Breetzke, Tristen Stubbs, Aiden Markram (Captain), Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Keshav Maharaj, Gerald Coetzee, Nandre Burger, Tabraiz Shamsi.

India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav (Captain), Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, Deepak Chahar, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh.