IND vs SA 1st T20I: India’s last big T20 tournament before the T20 World Cup, know what will be the playing-11 against South Africa

IND vs SA 1st T20I: The five-match T20 series between India and South Africa will start in Cuttack from Tuesday. This is not just a series, but a big opportunity for the Indian team to make final preparations before next year’s T20 World Cup. The team captained by Suryakumar Yadav is in excellent form at the moment and being the current T20 World Champion, the expectations of the fans are also very high. After defeating Australia 2-1, Team India would like to continue its strong performance in this series also.

Hardik Pandya’s return

In this match, most eyes will be on Hardik Pandya, who is returning to the T20 team after a long injury. How sharp Pandya’s fitness and bowling will be will play an important role in deciding Team India’s World Cup strategy. His presence gives the team balance in both batting and bowling, but it will be interesting to see whether he will be able to maintain the same rhythm after his return or not.

Team combination will change the mood of the pitch

Due to the pitch of Cuttack being made of red soil, the pacers are expected to get more help. In such a situation, a big decision can be taken on the spin option. It is considered quite possible for Shivam Dubey to get a chance in the playing-11 in place of Washington Sundar. Dubey’s hitting ability and fast bowling ability make him a better option for this pitch.

Kuldeep Yadav may be the only specialist spinner of the team, while Tilak Verma will provide a part-time option. Varun Chakraborty may have to sit out later.

New opening pair of Abhishek-Gil

Shubman Gill has returned fully fit. He will open the innings with young left-handed opener Abhishek Sharma. This means that Sanju Samson will again bat in the middle order. Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Verma and Samson together strengthen the middle order of the team.

It is considered certain that Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and young fast bowler Harshit Rana will play in the pace department. Hardik will give the option of fourth seamer.

India’s probable playing-11 for Cuttack T20

Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Tilak Verma, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar / Shivam Dubey, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh.