November 8, 2024: Aakash Chopra’s prediction of India’s probable XI for the first T20I against South Africa provides some interesting insights into how the team might line up for the series opener in Durban. With the absence of Nitish Kumar Reddy and the need for solid batting depth, it seems India will opt for a flexible middle order with players like Tilak Varma or Rinku Singh fighting for the No. 4 slot
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“If I look at the XI, there will be a question that will you play Tilak Varma at No. 4 if you play him. You will have to play him because Nitish Kumar Reddy isn’t there and you need some batting depth as well,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
Further, the 47-year-old said that either one of Rinku Singh or Tilak Varma will play at No. 4 for the Suryakumar Yadav-led side.
“So my predicted playing XI is Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav, and then either Tilak or Rinku at No. 4, Hardik (Pandya) at No. 5, and then Tilak/Rinku at No. 6. So that makes it your batting till No. 6,” the cricketer-turned-commentator added.
Chopra’s prediction has a strong blend of experience and youth, with a solid batting core and a variety of bowling options, especially spin-heavy, to exploit conditions in Durban.
The T20 series will be an exciting challenge for both teams. India, under Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership, will look to carry forward their momentum from the T20 World Cup 2024, where they defeated South Africa in the final. Meanwhile, South Africa will be eager to bounce back on home soil, with experienced players like Aiden Markram, David Miller, and Heinrich Klaasen leading their charge.
India’s T20I Squad:
- Suryakumar Yadav (C)
- Abhishek Sharma
- Sanju Samson
- Rinku Singh
- Tilak Varma
- Jitesh Sharma
- Hardik Pandya
- Axar Patel
- Ramandeep Singh
- Varun Chakravarthy
- Ravi Bishnoi
- Arshdeep Singh
- Vijaykumar Vyshak
- Avesh Khan
- Yash Dayal
South Africa’s T20I Squad:
- Aiden Markram (C)
- Ottneil Baartman
- Gerald Coetzee
- Donovan Ferreira
- Reeza Hendricks
- Marco Jansen
- Heinrich Klaasen
- Patrick Kruger
- Keshav Maharaj
- David Miller
- Mihlali Mpongwana
- Nqaba Peter
- Ryan Rickelton
- Andile Simelane
- Lutho Sipamla (3rd and 4th T20Is)
- Tristan Stubbs
With the series beginning on November 8, it promises to be an exciting clash, and the first T20I will set the tone for what could be a thrilling contest between the two teams.
