India vs South Africa 2022: India's predicted playing XI for the first T20I

After clinching the three-match T20I series against Australia, India is all set to take on South Africa in a T20I series. The series begins on the 28th of September at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. The Men in Blue will be high on confidence after the series win against the yellow brigade and will look to replicate their performance against South Africa as well. With a few key players excluded from the series, here's India's predicted playing XI for the first T20I.

Top Order

Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli

Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli (Source: Twitter)

The three Indian stars, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Virat Kohli, are given to be included in the squad. All these batters will look to get into their rhythm and prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Virat Kohli has found his lost form in recent matches and will look to continue that.

As for the Indian skipper and vice-captain, they will look to get some consistency in their batting. The two openers have been getting some good runs, but they would want to do that more frequently. If they get a good start, India will hugely benefit from that.

Middle Order

Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel, Dinesh Karthik

Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel, Dinesh Karthik (Source: Twitter)

The Indian middle order has a lot of firepower. Suryakumar Yadav has been in a red hot form in recent times and would like to continue doing that. On the other hand, Axar Patel also has gotten some important runs under his belt. Additionally, his brilliance with the ball is an added advantage.

In the meantime, Dinesh Karthik and Pant will look to get the best results in these three matches. Only one of these two wicketkeeper-batters will be able to make the cut in the Playing XI for the T20 World Cup.

Bowlers

Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh

Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh (Source: Twitter)

This bowling lineup is a very strong one, and can give a tough time to any team in the world. All of these players will have to make the most of this series. Mohammed Shami has finally been given a chance in the T20I team, and he will look to make the most of it. Yuzvendra Chahal, on the other hand, has been doing well and plans to keep it up.

Jasprit Bumrah is returning to the team after an injury, and this series will be crucial for him to get back into the groove. Meanwhile, Arshdeep Singh, the young blood, will have a point to prove and secure his place in the playing XI.