Team India is set for a major power boost as they shift their focus from the long formats to the five-match T20I series against South Africa, commencing on December 9. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the T20I squad on Wednesday, December 3.
The tour so far has been a mixed bag for the Men in Blue. The Test series concluded with a disappointing 2-0 clean sweep for the Proteas on Indian soil.
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However, Team India showed resilience in the ODI leg, which is currently levelled at 1-1 with the final match on December 6 set to decide the series winner. Now, the T20I format promises a fresh start under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav.
Major comebacks to the Squad:
The T20I squad sees the crucial returns of two key players. All-rounder Hardik Pandya is back after recovering from the injury he sustained during the Asia Cup in September, significantly balancing the team.
Additionally, VC Shubman Gill has been named in the squad after missing a part of the Test series and the entire ODI series due to a neck injury, though his participation is subject to a fitness clearance from the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE). Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah also returns to the T20I fold after being rested for the ODI series.
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Team India’s perfect T20I XI Prediction:
Considering the team composition and the need for a strong start to the series, the predicted Playing XI for Team India features a mix of explosive youth and returning experience. The top order is likely to be opened by Shubman Gill (VC) alongside the dynamic Abhishek Sharma.
The middle-order will be marshaled by the captain Suryakumar Yadav and the consistent Tilak Varma. The crucial all-rounder slots are filled by the returning Hardik Pandya, alongside the spinning all-rounders Axar Patel and Washington Sundar.
Behind the stumps, Sanju Samson is expected to get the nod as the wicketkeeper-batter. The pace attack will be led by the returning veteran Jasprit Bumrah and the left-arm swing of Arshdeep Singh, with the spin duties resting on the shoulders of the wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav. This line-up provides a deep batting order and a varied bowling attack, essential for a competitive five-match series.
Team India T20I Squad List:
​Suryakumar Yadav (C), ​Shubman Gill (Vc)*, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (Wk), Sanju Samson (Wk), Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar
​*Note: Shubman Gill’s participation is subject to fitness clearance from the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE).