India vs South Africa 2022: Strongest Predicted Playing 11 for T20 Series

KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan to open as we look at the strongest predicted playing 11 for Team India for the 2022 T20 series vs South Africa. 

The IPL 2022 is currently in the business end of the tournament as after 70 matches of non-stop cricket, we are left with GT, LSG, RR, and RCB as the final 4 contenders for Playoffs. While IPL 2022 is underway, BCCI officially announced the squad for Team India for the 2022 T20 series vs South Africa. An exciting 18-members squad that is filled with young and potential individuals. 

Team India would be beginning their important International schedule with the T20 series just a week after the conclusion of the hectic IPL 2022 tournament. The KL Rahul led Indian team would play five T20Is from June 9 to June 19. Meanwhile, Team India’s all-format captain, Rohit Sharma has been rested, but is expected to be back for the England tour. 

So, given that the team has a lot of new names in the squad, what could be the strongest predicted playing 11 for Team India for the 2022 T20 series vs South Africa. Let’s find out in this article. Before that, let’s quickly skim through the official squad for Team India. 

India vs South Africa 2022 – Official T20 Series Squad for Team India: 

Batters: KL Rahul, Ruturaj Gaikwad & Shreyas Iyer

Wks: Dinesh Karthik, Ishan Kishan & Rishabh Pant 

All-rounders: Axar Patel, Deepak Hooda, Hardik Pandya & Venkatesh Iyer

Bowlers: Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Umran Malik & Yuzvendra Chahal

Coach: Rahul Dravid // Captain: KL Rahul // Vice-captain: Rishabh Pant

Openers: KL Rahul & Ishan Kishan

Captain, KL Rahul shall lead Team India as the first-choice opener of the squad, but who will he be accompanied with? Will it be young and dynamic Ishan Kishan or a more stable option in Ruturaj? Well, of the two, Kishan seems a strong bet; for two main reasons. One – Ishan Kishan is a left-hander, so an LH-RH combination seems good. Second – Kishan has more experience, and thus will be preferred first. 

Middle-order: Shreyas Iyer & Rishabh Pant 

With Virat Kohli rested, there’s no better batter than Shreyas Iyer to bat at number 3. He will play a perfect anchor with attacking batters to follow. At number 4, India should see the primary wicket-keeper batter, Rishabh Pant playing a key role. Ideally a finisher, Rishabh Pant will have to adapt his play to suit the team’s needs. After a lacklustre IPL, it would also be a good opportunity for him to gain back his form. 

Finishers: Hardik Pandya & Dinesh Karthik

Coming to the finishers, Indian fans would be excited to see the dynamic duo of Hardik Pandya and Dinesh Karthik. Both have been in stunning form in the current IPL, and would want to continue that to give Team India a new hope in the T20 World Cup. While Hardik can bat at number 4 too, DK for sure will bat at 6 to make sure finishing duties are well taken care of. 

Spinners: Axar Patel & Yuzvendra Chahal

In the spinners department, Yuzvendra Chahal shall be the lead spinner of the squad. He is the purple Cap leader of IPL 2022, and would play a crucial role in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Meanwhile, had it not been for all-rounder Axar Patel, Kuldeep and Chahal would have been a good bet. But with Axar bringing all-rounder capabilities, he will play at number 7 as the spin all-rounder of the squad. 

Pacers: Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel & Avesh Khan 

Bhuvneshwar Kumar shall lead the pace duties for Team India being the most experienced pacer of the lot. He would play a key role in the absence of Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah. Supporting Bhuvi shall be Harshal Patel as the second pacer of the squad. Harshal is currently in good form, and from the available bunch of bowlers, Harshal has the maximum experience. 

The third pacer selection shall be an interesting one. India have three solid options in the form of Umran Malik, Arshdeep Singh, and Avesh Khan. All three bring unique characteristics to the table. While Umran has pace, and is a good option for middle overs, Arshdeep Singh is a brilliant death overs bowler. But of the three, Avesh Khan seems a preferred option given more experience and ability to bowl in all conditions.

India vs South Africa 2022: Strongest Predicted Playing 11 for T20 Series

KL Rahul (C), Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (WK), Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik, Axar Patel,  Harshal Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar,  Avesh Khan & Yuzvendra Chahal

So, that completes the strongest predicted playing 11 for Team India for the 2022 T20 series vs South Africa. Except for the second opener and third pacer position, everything else seems sorted. If Hardik gives those crucial 2-3 overs, Team India can also think of playing a third spinner in the form of Kuldeep Yadav. 

Meanwhile, here’s the schedule for India vs South Africa 2022 T20 Series:

• 1st T20I // June 9 // Delhi
• 2nd T20I // June 12 // Cuttack
• 3rd T20I // June 14 // Visakhapatnam 
• 4th T20I // June 17 // Rajkot
• 5th T20I // June 19 // Bengaluru

Thanks for reading! What’s your playing 11 for Team India for the 2022 T20 series vs South Africa? Please email your comments to business@cricalytics.com

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