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India. (Photo by DIBYANGSHU SARKAR / AFP) (Photo by DIBYANGSHU SARKAR/AFP via Getty Images)

Team India is all set to kick off its multi-format series against South Africa by taking on the Proteas at home in three T20I matches. The first T20I will be played at Kingsmead Stadium on Sunday, December 10.

The Indian team will be coming into the clash after defeating Matthew Wade-led Australia in a five-match T20I series, and the Men in Blue will be riding high on confidence, it could be interesting to see how they fare and what lineup they field in the first T20I against South Africa.

Here’s India’s predicted XI against South Africa: 

Openers: Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad

Ruturaj-Gaikwad. (Photo Source: X/Twitter)

The Indian team will be expected to open with the duo of ace batters Shubman Gill and Ruturaj Gaikwad. Gill was absent in India’s recent series against Australia but did brilliantly in the ODI World Cup 2023, and with his repertoire in the shortest format, Gill could be exceptional for India against the Proteas.

Ruturaj Gaikwad will be coming into the series after brilliant performances against Australia in the recently concluded five-match series. Scoring 223 runs across five T20Is against the Aussies, Gaikwad was sensational for the Men in Blue, and it could be interesting to see how the opener performs against South Africa.

Middle Order: Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma (WK)

Suryakumar Yadav. (Photo Source: SAJJAD HUSSAIN/AFP via Getty Images)

Team India’s middle order could be something that possesses significant firepower, and in-form Shreyas Iyer could be one of the most crucial players for the Men in Blue. Scoring 61 runs in two games against Australia in the most recent series, Iyer will be keen on putting in another set of showings that could impress the crowd.

The skipper, Suryakumar Yadav, will look to lead from the front. Needing no introduction in the shortest format, Suryakumar has been exceptional across the globe in T20 cricket, and he could be one of the biggest threats to South Africa as well.

Bursting onto the scene, Rinku Singh will be keen on fulfilling the role of the finisher. The 26-year-old impressed with his showings against Australia, and it could be interesting to see how he performs in foreign conditions.

Rinku Singh will be accompanied by Jitesh Sharma; the 30-year-old will be present as the wicketkeeper but could be quite efficient with the bat as well. Having played five T20Is for India, Jitesh Sharma has scored 64 runs to his name, and he will be keen on improving.

All-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja

Ace all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja could be the all-rounder in the Indian side for the upcoming first T20I against South Africa. Time and time again, Jadeja has proven himself to be one of the most consistent players for the Men in Blue in every format, and he could be a big thorn for the Proteas in the T20I series.

Bowlers: Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar

Ravi Bishnoi. (Photo Source: Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)

The Indian team could field a like-to-like bowling lineup as the one against Australia, with the only change being the inclusion of ace pacer Mohammed Siraj. The world’s number one T20I bowler, Ravi Bishnoi, could take the reins and will be keen on providing his side with crucial breakthroughs.

Arshdeep Singh will look to devastate the South African batting lineup with his pace. The 24-year-old had a forgettable outing against Australia in the recent five-match T20I series; however, he will be keen on doing better and improving to take many wickets for the Men in Blue.

Ace Pacer Mohammed Siraj would be the spearhead for the Men in Blue against South Africa. It is worth noting that Siraj has played eight T20Is for India so far and has taken 11 wickets to his name. Being one of the best bowlers in world cricket, many eyes will be set on Siraj in South Africa.

Mukesh Kumar will complete India’s lineup for the first T20I against South Africa. Featuring for India against Australia, Mukesh impressed. Taking seven wickets in nine T20Is, Mukesh Kumar will be keen on further improving his stats against the Proteas.

India’s predicted XI for the first T20I against South Africa:

Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, and Mukesh Kumar