Mayank, Nitish Out; Ramandeep, Dayal To Debut? India’s Likely Playing XI For 1st T20I Vs South Africa – News18

Last Updated:November 07, 2024, 23:21 IST

T20I Debuts could be on the cards for both Ramandeep Singh and Yash Dayal as India take on South Africa in the 1st T20I in Durban.

India will be up against South Africa for the 1st T20I in Kingsmead, Durban for the first game of the four-match series, scheduled to begin on Thursday (November 8).

Suryakumar Yadav’s time as captain of the T20I side has seen a positive start with the Indian team yet to suffer a series defeat under his leadership.

After winning the T20 World Cup 2024, a massive transition has taken place with senior stars like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja retiring from the T20I format and giving way to younger stars.

Debuts could be on the cards for the likes of Yash Dayal and Ramandeep Singh. The former had a fairly impressive campaign in the 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and looks to have what it takes to succeed in the shortest format. He has showcased the ability to swing the new ball both ways coupled with a handy set of variations for the death overs, making him a solid pace option to have for the game in Durban.

Ramandeep on the other hand has also been impressive with the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL and most recently, his performances with India A in the Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024 where he seems to thrive as the lower middle-order batting all-rounder role. He is known to be a power-hitter who also is a reliable fielder who can chip in with a few overs of medium pace as well. Considering his versatility, he could be a solid pick to make a debut in tomorrow’s game.

Sanju Samson who is expected to hold the opener’s slot after his sensational century against Bangladesh, will likely partner Abhishek Sharma at the top of the order. The skipper will in all certainty continue his spot at the number 3 position.

Tilak Varma could also make his return to the side after 10 months. He last played the T20I against Afghanistan in January, earlier this year and his form with the bat with India A could see himself get back in the side.

Axar Patel could also see himself get back in the side after the Sri Lanka tour earlier. His quality with the ball and bat could be something India looks to make use of against the quality South African team.

Arshdeep Singh is expected to keep his spot in the side as their go-to fast-bowling option, while Ravi Bishnoi could be the ideal leg-spin option for the Indian side.

India’s Probable 11 For 1st T20I vs South Africa: Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Ramandeep Singh, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Yash Dayal