ICC World Cup 2019: Match 8, South Africa vs India: Captain and vice-captain for Dream11 Fantasy

India is the only team thus far who is yet to play a match in the ongoing World Cup in England and Wales. The Virat Kohli-captained unit has only taken part in a couple of warm-up matches against New Zealand and Bangladesh. India would be happy with their bowling, albeit their batting needs resurrection. Their first match is against South Africa tomorrow at the Rose Bowl in Southampton.

Back in 2015, India beat the Proteas for the first time in a World Cup and will want to repeat the feat. Faf du Plessis and Co made a horrendous start in the 50-overs tournament. After losing to hosts England and then Bangladesh at the Kennington Oval, they have been jolted with a blow as Dale Steyn has been ruled out due to a shoulder injury. In addition, Lungi Ngidi and Hashim Amla are also nursing injuries.

Here is the guide to select the Captain and vice-captain for Dream11 Fantasy:

Captain Suggestions:

Virat Kohli

The 30-year-old had an indifferent outing in the warm-ups. He got out to Colin de Grandhomme and Mohammad Saifuddin. And both times, he got bowled. That is one aspect, Virat Kohli needs to put his focus on. But with loads of experience under his belt, he is expected to come out all guns blazing. Last time in 2015, he scored a ton versus the Proteas and will want to repeat the feat in 2019 as well.

Dream11 Credits: 10.5

Faf du Plessis

Faf du Plessis failed versus the Brits, but churned out an impressive 62 against the Tigers, though it came in a losing cause. In the first game, the right-handed batsman got out to a pull shot off Jofra Archer while in the second, off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz accounted for his dismissal. The Indian bowling attack is a versatile one and the Proteas captain will have his task cut out.

Dream11 Credits: 10

KL Rahul

Rahul’s selection in the World Cup squad wasn’t a sure-shot one by any means. But he eventually made the cut for the mega event. To his disappointment, he got out cheaply against the Black Caps. Nevertheless, he turned up with a stupendous century and cemented his place not only in the team but also gave the Men in Blue the answer to their number four conundrum.

Dream11 Credits: 8

Shikhar Dhawan

In ICC organized tournaments, Shikhar Dhawan has five centuries in 18 matches, having scored 1113 runs at an average of 65.47. Two of those tons came versus the Proteas itself in 2013 and 2015. However, in the warm-ups, the southpaw could only manage scores of two and one respectively. And in both instances, left-arm pacers- Mustafizur Rahman and Trent Boult- got rid of him.

Dream11 Credits: 9.5

Vice-captain suggestions

Hardik Pandya

The good thing about Pandya is that he has matured, especially after the TV-show controversy. He has started showing more consistency, both with the bat and ball. Even in the warm-up matches, he turned up with knocks of 30 and 21 respectively. He also did well in the chances he got with the ball. The 25-year-old is expected to be a key player in India’s World Cup opening encounter.

Dream11 Credits: 9

Quinton de Kock

The left-handed batter has been in prime form over the past few months. He also got a half-century in the Proteas’ first match. In the second contest, he succumbed to a run-out after Mushfiqur Rahim dropped him. De Kock has a fabulous record versus India as he has notched 774 runs in 12 matches at an average of 64.50 with five tons. The Men in Blue need to get rid of him early.

Dream11 Credits: 10

Rohit Sharma

Rohit had a rather torrid time in the warm-ups and could only score two and 19. The fast bowlers dismissed him both times. He tends to find it tough in conditions when the ball is seaming and swinging. Nevertheless, one is pretty aware of the serious damage he can do if he is allowed to get his eyes in. The 32-year-old will want to score big and give India a decent start.

Dream11 Credits: 10

Final picks for your Dream11 Fantasy team

For Head to Head/Small Leagues:

Captain – Virat Kohli | Vice-captain – Quinton de Kock

For Grand/Mega Leagues:

Captain – KL Rahul | Vice-captain – Hardik Pandya

*Disclaimer: These picks were made based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.

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