India Predicted XI vs South Africa, 1st T20I: IPL Stars Expected to Make Debut

The Indian cricket team is gearing up for the first T20I of their four-match series against South Africa at Kingsmead, Durban. Several IPL stars are set to make their India debut in this match, and the squad looks strong following their record-breaking performance against Bangladesh in the previous series.

With Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal set to leave for Australia for the Test series later this month, Abhishek Sharma is expected to continue opening alongside veteran wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson. Samson, who recently scored a T20I century against Bangladesh, will be crucial at the top of the order.

Despite a mixed run in the recently concluded Men's T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024, Tilak Varma is likely to make his debut for India in this series. With Riyan Parag recovering from an injury at the National Cricket Academy, Varma's inclusion adds depth to the middle order. Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and Rinku Singh will be vital in stabilizing the middle order, bringing in runs and experience from their recent performances.

All-rounder Ramandeep Singh, retained by Kolkata Knight Riders for IPL 2024, has been in good form. His excellent fielding, coupled with a blistering strike-rate in the IPL, makes him a valuable asset to the squad. Ramandeep's recent knock of 64 not out for India A in the Emerging Men's Asia Cup further boosts his chances of inclusion in the playing XI.

For the bowling attack, Varun Chakravarthy is likely to be the lone spinner in the team for the Durban match. Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan will lead the pace department, with Karnataka's Vijaykumar Vyshak in contention for his debut as the third pacer in the side.

India’s Likely XI for the 1st T20I:

1. Abhishek Sharma
2. Sanju Samson (WK)
3. Tilak Varma
4. Suryakumar Yadav (C)
5. Hardik Pandya
6. Rinku Singh
7. Ramandeep Singh
8. Varun Chakravarthy
9. Arshdeep Singh
10. Avesh Khan
11. Vijaykumar Vyshak