India’s convincing series win over West Indies may have given captain Virat Kohli a breathing space following a disappointing World Cup exit, but that didn’t really answer all of the team’s gremlin, to say the least. The muddle regarding a potent starting XI still haunts the Indian team, and as a fresh-look South African team awaits for a three-match T20I series, Kohli’s men need to brace themselves for a sterner test.
Having said that, we believe the following predicted starting XI might manage to live up the billing on September 15.
Openers:
Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan
Rohit Sharma, India’s limited-overs vice-captain, has been an integral part of his team’s success in the shortest format of the game. Even against West Indies, he top-scored in both the games he played and looked in sublime form. There’s absolutely no doubt the team will head into the game without him.
Meanwhile, despite struggling for form since his return from the thumb injury he sustained against Australia in the World Cup, Shikhar Dhawan remains India’s safest bet. Playing in his favourite format – T20 – Dhawan has delivered consistently in Indian conditions. And that coupled with KL Rahul’s substandard performances in recent past further strengthens Dhawan’s significance in the team.
Middle-Order:
Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant
A key figure in both on and off the field, Virat Kohli epitomizes the meaning of mere perfection. His inclusion not only adds figures in the batting order, but it also strikes the credence of his opponents in a way or the other.
In addition, the West Indies series gave Manish Pandey a glaring hope of asserting his authority in the team. A return of just 27 runs in three games though crushed everything he would have hoped for. Moving on, expect India to go with a matured head in Shreyas Iyer for the No. 4 spot
Being the only wicketkeeper in the team, Rishabh Pant has a luxury in his kitty. And given how supreme his stature is in T20 cricket now, it is safe to say he is not exploiting his chances in anyway.
All-rounders:
Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya
This series marks the much-awaited return of India’s fast-bowling all-rounder, Hardik Pandya. His contribution with both the ball and the bat will be something India would love to pounce upon. Krunal Pandya, on the other hand, was a regular fixture during the West Indies series, thus, expect him to be in the team in Dharamshala as well.
Bowlers:
Rahul Chahar, Deepak Chahar, Khaleel Ahmed and Navdeep Saini
Having made his T20I debut against West Indies, spinner Rahul Chahar might get another chance against a rejuvenated South African unit.
Further in line of the bowlers, expect his brother, Deepak – a pace bowler - to make a telling impact.
Moving on, the likes of Navdeep Saini and Khaleel Ahmed could fill the remaining spots.
Feature image courtesy: AFP / Randy Brooks
