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Samson To Open, SKY To Drop Gambhir's Favourite; India's Strongest XI For 1st T20I Vs South Africa

Debashis Sarangi

Suryakumar Yadav with Sanju Samson [Source: @surya_14kumar/X]Suryakumar Yadav with Sanju Samson [Source: @surya_14kumar/X]

After a three-match Test series against New Zealand, India will cross swords against South Africa in four T20Is in their backyard. Led by Suryakumar Yadav, the Men in Blue have already announced a solid squad for the highly anticipated series. While Riyan Parag and Shivam Dube were excluded, Ramandeep Singh and Vyshak Vijaykumar earned their maiden T20I call-ups. 

So, as the Men in Blue gear up to face the mighty Proteas, let's see what could be India's strongest playing XI for the first T20I at the iconic Kingsmead in Durban. 

Samson And SKY To Form India's Top Order Alongside Abhishek Sharma

Sanju Samson, who recently revitalised his T20I career with a magnificent century against Bangladesh, will open the batting alongside swashbuckling southpaw Abhishek Sharma. Captain Suryakumar Yadav will bat at his preferred number three position, having scored truckloads of runs in that slot. 

Tilak, Pandya And Rinku To Spearhead India's Middle Order Batting

Promising all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy's absence has paved the way for Tilak Varma's inclusion, with the stylish Hyderabad batter likely to bat at number four. He will be followed by ace all-rounder Hardik Pandya and Rinku Singh, India's formidable finishing duo in the South Africa T20Is. 

No Place For Ramandeep Singh In India's T20I side? 

Despite Nitish Kumar Reddy not featuring in South Africa T20Is, KKR's premier all-rounder Ramandeep Singh might have to wait for his debut for the national side. Hailed for his brutal hitting and acrobatic fielding, Ramandeep can also chip in with a few overs of medium pace. 

However, Gautam Gambhir's favourite KKR player Ramandeep won't likely be preferred over experienced spin-bowling all-rounder Axar Patel, who could be India's number seven in the first T20I. 

Arshdeep And Chakravarthy: India's Strike Bowlers In South Africa

Regarding India's bowling department, premier left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh will lead the fast bowling department alongside Avesh Khan. There could be a toss-up between Vijaykumar Vyshak and Yash Dayal for the third seamer's slot, but the former might emerge victorious in the race, with India already having a first-choice left-arm pacer in Arshdeep. 

Meanwhile, India will need Varun Chakravarthy to weave his magic against South Africa's rampant middle order. While the pitches won't offer significant turn, the KKR spinner's accuracy will be the key for India in the middle overs. 

India's Strongest Playing XI For 1st T20I vs South Africa

Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Suryakumar Yadav (C), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Avesh Khan, Vijaykumar Vyshak