Former India National Cricket Team head coach and cricket commentator Ravi Shastri has picked his playing XI for the first game of the five-match T20I series against South Africa.
The first match of the five-match T20I series featuring KL Rahul’s India and Temba Bavuma’s South Africa will be played on June 9 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
During an interview on Star Sports’ ‘Game Plan,’ Shastri selected Ruturaj Gaikwad as KL Rahul’s opening partner for the first T20I, and he put Ishan Kishan at No. 3.
The 5-match T20 series will act as a testing ground for head coach Rahul Dravid due to the unavailability of India’s key batsmen. Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul are available for selection.
Ravi Shastri backed Dinesh Karthik’s return to the Indian squad wholeheartedly. It may be difficult to integrate Dinesh Karthik into the lineup since both Rahul Dravid and the team management are keen on producing young talent.
Hardik Pandya’s return is crucial for India’s quest for a sixth bowling option in terms of bowling lineups. While Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Harshal Patel are two of the team’s best death bowlers, the selection of the third seamer is vital.
The three young pacers contending for that spot are Umran Malik, Arshdeep Singh, and Avesh Khan. India, on the other hand, is trying to look for a death-overs specialist for the T20 World Cup.
India Playing XI vs SA 1st T20I: Ravi Shashtri’s XI
1. KL Rahul
2. Ruturaj Gaikwad
3. Ishan Kishan
4. Shreyas Iyer
5. Rishabh Pant
6. Hardik Pandya
7. Axar Patel
8. Bhuvneshwar Kumar
9. Yuzvendra Chahal
10. Arshdeep Singh/Umran Malik
11. Harshal Patel
