India will face South Africa in the first T20I match on Tuesday, December 9, at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. India last played a T20I match against Australia last month. India won the five-match T20I series 2-1, with two games ending in a no result. Hardik Pandya, who sustained an injury during the Asia Cup, has been named in the squad. Shubman Gill is also back as the vice-captain of the side. Gill suffered a spasm during the first Test against South Africa at the Eden Gardens. This is the first time India will play a T20I series at home since January this year.
Let’s look at the probable playing XI of India for the first T20I against South Africa:
Top Order:

Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Suryakumar Yadav will likely be a part of the top order in the playing 11. Abhishek is the leading run-scorer in T20Is for India this year with 756 runs in 17 matches at an average of 47.25.
Middle Order:

Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, and Shivam Dube are likely to be there in the middle order. Tilak has made 380 runs in 14 innings this year at an average of 42.22 and a strike rate of 127.94.
Bowlers:

Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Varun Chakaravarthy could be the three bowlers for the team. Varun is the leading wicket-taker for India this year and has picked up 26 wickets in 14 innings at an average of 13.96.
Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.
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