IND vs SA: Samson out, Gill back! India’s playing 11 could be like this in the first T20 in South Africa

IND vs SA: The 5-match T20 series between India and South Africa is going to start on December 9 from Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. In this series, Hardik Pandya is returning after a long time, while Shubman Gill is also returning to the team after being out of the ODI series and Test. The biggest question after the return of these two is whether wicketkeeper batsman Sanju Samson will get a chance in the first match or not?

Opening and top order

The responsibility of opening will be on the shoulders of Abhishek Sharma and Shubhman Gill. Abhishek has performed consistently well in the last few months, while Gill’s technique and class are not hidden from anyone. Captain Suryakumar Yadav himself will play at number 3, who is counted among the best batsmen in the world in T20.

All-rounders shine in the middle order

It is almost certain that Tilak Verma, who batted brilliantly in the Asia Cup final, will get a chance at number 4. After this, great all-rounders like Shivam Dubey, Hardik Pandya and Akshar Patel will come. Coach Gautam Gambhir believes that there is no need to give much importance to the batting order in T20. Therefore, it would not be a surprise to see 5-6 all-rounders in the team.

Jitesh Sharma will get priority

Jitesh Sharma may get priority over Sanju Samson as wicketkeeper. Jitesh fits better in the role of finisher and can score runs quickly in the lower order. Sanju may have to sit on the bench in the first match.

Bumrah’s return to bowling

The return of Jasprit Bumrah makes the bowling stronger. Mystery spinner Varun Chakraborty has also confirmed his place in the playing-11. There is a competition between Kuldeep Yadav for the third spinner and Arshdeep Singh in fast bowling. Runs are expected to be scored on the red clay pitch of Cuttack, so the team management can try an additional spinner.

India’s probable playing eleven

Abhishek Sharma, Shubhman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Tilak Verma, Shivam Dubey, Hardik Pandya, Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakraborty, Kuldeep Yadav / Arshdeep Singh.