India vs South Africa T20I Series: BCCI has announced the squad for the T20I series between India and South Africa. After the India vs New Zealand Test series, the Indian team will tour South Africa. Some big players like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal will not play in this series, as they have to prepare for the Border Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.
India is still the frontrunner for the WTC 2025 final, but back-to-back defeats against New Zealand have made things a bit difficult. Before the series against Australia, the team will now have to rely on new talents like Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Verma and Rinku Singh due to the lack of several first-team players. Suryakumar Yadav will lead the team and Hardik Pandya will support him.
India vs South Africa T20I Series
If South Africa’s wickets are pace-friendly, India can go with a pace-heavy lineup. Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan are strong contenders for the new ball. Hardik Pandya will also be in the support role with them. If one more pace option is wanted in the team, then Ramandeep Singh can have a chance. Ramandeep has shown his talent in the India A team and now he is ready to play with the Men in Blue.
Who will lead the spin department can be a bit challenging. There are a lot of choices for spin as well: Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi and Axar Patel are also available. If the team needs an extra all-rounder then Axar can get a chance, but in that case either Varun or Ravi can be put on the reserve bench.
India’s possible T20I Playing XI vs South Africa:
Sanju Samson (WK), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Hardik Pandya (all-rounder), Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh (all-rounder), Axar Patel (all-rounder), Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan.
India Squad for SA Tour:
Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ramandeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Avesh Khan, Yash Dayal.