Former India coach Ravi Shastri picked his best India XI for the 1st T20I against the Proteas side. The two teams will compete in a 5 match T20I series starting on June 9th. Since Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and some other all-format players are rested. KL Rahul will lead a relatively young 18-member Indian side. Dinesh Karthik who had an exceptional outing in the IPL, going on to become the Super Striker of the Season, missed a place in Shastri’s XI. Moreover, the only bowling all-rounder on the XI is Axar Patel.
IND vs SA: Ravi Shastri names his India XI for 1st T20I
Ravi Shastri preferred Ruturaj Gaikwad to open the inning alongside skipper KL Rahul over Ishan Kishan. However, he reasons for his decision. And believes Ishan can still be used effectively at number 3 or can be rested in the first clash.
“I think they will go with the guys they will want to see first – the Rahuls, the Ruturaj Gaikwads – maybe they will open. They will probably give Ishan (Kishan) a break in this game or bat him at three.”
In the scenario where Ishan bats at 3, Shastri picks Shreyas Iyer at number 4. Since Surya Kumar Yadav misses the series due to an injury, it gives India a good opportunity to try out Iyer at 4. Shastri’s XI names Rishabh Pant at his usual number 5. Hardik Pandya who made a magnificent comeback in the IPL, bats at 6 for Shastri.
“If you bat him (Ishan) at three, then it will be Shreyas (Iyer) at No. 4, (Rishabh) Pant at No. 5 and Hardik (Pandya) at No. 6.”
Moreover, Axar Patel is the only bowling all-rounder on the team. Other members of the bowling attack are Yuzvendra Chahal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Harshal Patel. However, Shastri is not clear on which of the two IPL finds- Arshdeep Singh and Umran Malik could make it to the XI in the first T20I.
“No. 7 will be Axar Patel. I think eight will be Bhuvneshwar Kumar batting-wise, then Chahal, Arshdeep Singh/Umran Malik and Harshal Patel. Umran or Arshdeep depending on the ground and what the pitch is like.”
However, the expert believes the conditions and venue will decide how either one can be used. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has gone back to being his reliable self and can be utilized in the death overs. However, Umran Malik has a higher chance to play because of Bhuvi’s presence on the team.
“I think if Bhuvi plays, then Umran is better because Bhuvi can do a job for you at the death. But then again you are looking for someone at the death, they are looking to develop that bowler. So if Harshal is going to do that, he plays that game.”
Ravi Shastri’s Indian XI- 1st T20IÂ
KL Rahul, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh/Umran Malik, Harshal Patel.
