India will be hosting South Africa for a five-match T20I series starting June 9, with the first game set to be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. The tour will conclude on June 19, when the two teams meet for the final T20I of the series. While the Indian selectors have named KL Rahul as the team’s captain, the Proteas team will be led by white-ball skipper <strong><a href="https://www.crictracker.com/no-batter-likes-to-face-ball-at-150-kmph-temba-bavuma-on-possibility-of-facing-umran-malik-in-upcoming-t20is/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Temba Bavuma</a></strong>.

The visitors have announced a full-strength 16-member squad for this series. On the other hand, India has 18 players to pick from in their best XI. While the South African team includes all of its star players, the Indian team will be missing its key players such as former skipper Virat Kohli, all-format skipper Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Shami as the senior members have been given a break, post the IPL 2022.

<strong>Let us have a look at India’s Predicted XI for the 1st T20I:</strong>

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-592733" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Ruturaj-Gaikwad-2.jpg" alt="Ruturaj Gaikwad" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-592733" class="wp-caption-text">Ruturaj Gaikwad. (Photo by ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP via Getty Images)</figcaption>

With KL Rahul’s exit from the series at the very last moment, there are high chances of the Chennai Super Kings opener Ruturaj Gaikwad getting a push for the series. He made his T20I debut against Sri Lanka last year and could score just 35 runs in two games. He then played the series against West Indies as regular opener KL Rahul was yet again out with injury. Gaikwad took the opening slot and batted alongside Ishan Kishan.

But then again, he was given a chance only during the third and final ODI, when India had already clinched the series. He was the leading run-scorer in the IPL last year, but could not meet the expectation this year. He played a couple of fine knocks for CSK but was not consistent. The opening slot has to be filled in Rahul’s absence and with the senior members missing out on the series, Gaikwad will be positioned on top of the lineup.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-607579" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Ishan-Kishan-1.jpg" alt="Ishan Kishan" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-607579" class="wp-caption-text">Ishan Kishan (Photo source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Ishan Kishan will assist Rahul in the top order, as the opener. He started his IPL 2022 campaign with the Mumbai Indians brilliantly, hitting back to back half-centuries, but could not carry the momentum for a long time, as he failed to produce strong performances in the latter stages of the league.

However, he made a strong recovery at the finish, scoring 418 runs in 14 games of the league stage at an average of 32.15. The wicketkeeper batter scored 105 runs in two games against <strong><a href="https://www.crictracker.com/sri-lanka-announce-their-playing-xi-for-1st-t20i-against-australia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sri Lanka</a></strong> in his previous T20I series, including one fifty. He was also the third-highest run-getter of the series.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-495046" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Shreyas-Iyer.jpg" alt="Shreyas Iyer" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-495046" class="wp-caption-text">Shreyas Iyer. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption>

Though Shreyas Iyer did not have a dream run at the IPL this season, he tried to put his best foot forward. He played some crucial knocks for the team when Kolkata Knight Riders were put under pressure and displayed composure on the field. He managed to score three half-centuries in the 14 games, that he played at the IPL, taking his tally to 401 runs.

He was also a part of the T20I series against Sri Lanka in February and helped India clinch the series by 3-0. He scored unbeaten half-centuries knock in all the three games and emerged as one of the standout players of the lot.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-495331" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Hardik-Pandya-1.jpg" alt="Hardik Pandya" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-495331" class="wp-caption-text">Hardik Pandya. (Photo Source: Twitter/ICC)</figcaption>

Making his way back into the Indian squad is all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who impressed everyone during the IPL 2022 with his captaincy skills, batting, and bowling abilities, as he led Gujarat Titans to a title win in their maiden IPL outing.

He slammed 487 runs in 15 games at the tournament and also added eight wickets under his belt. He was out of action due to an injury but returned at the IPL as the all-rounder that a team looks out for. His impressive performances earned him a place back in the national squad and it will be interesting to see, what he holds in the bag.

<strong>5. Rishabh Pant (Captain and wicketkeeper)</strong>

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-598836" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Rishabh-Pant-9.jpg" alt="Rishabh Pant" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-598836" class="wp-caption-text">Rishabh Pant. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images/Getty Images)</figcaption>

<strong><a href="https://www.crictracker.com/started-wicketkeeping-because-my-father-was-a-wicketkeeper-rishabh-pant/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rishabh Pant</a></strong> has been playing a lot of cricket in recent times. He was a part of almost all the India games, along with the IPL 2022. He has been very impressive over the past few years and has emerged as India’s first-choice wicketkeeper-batter. With KL Rahul&#8217;s injury at the end moment, he is all set to lead India in the T20Is. He played some fine knocks at the IPL this season but blew hot and cold throughout the tournament.

Pant struck 340 runs in 13 innings, averaging 30.91. He could not score a single half-century this time and was dismissed in the 40s quite a few times. He was pretty impressive in the T20I series against West Indies, which India played in February.  The dasher even scored an unbeaten half-century in the second game of the series.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-582414" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Deepak-Hooda.jpg" alt="Deepak Hooda" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-582414" class="wp-caption-text">Deepak Hooda. (Photo Source: Instagram)</figcaption>

Deepak Hooda’s outing at the <strong><a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2022-youngest-xi-of-the-tournament/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IPL 2022</a></strong> was no less than a dream coming true. From being a player dreaming high of getting a place in the Indian squad to emerging as one of the finest young talents in the country, grabbing all the attention, Hodda came a long way.

Hooda scored 451 runs in 15 matches for Lucknow, establishing himself as one of the team&#8217;s middle-order pillars. Consistent tournament results also helped him secure a position in the upcoming home series. He will yet again be playing under his LSG skipper KL Rahul, and the duo will surely try to put up some good partnerships as they did in the IPL.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-581617" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Axar-Patel.jpg" alt="Axar Patel" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-581617" class="wp-caption-text">Axar Patel. (Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)</figcaption>

Though Delhi Capitals had a mediocre season this time at the IPL, the team was able to get hold of some players with wholesome potential. One of them was Axar Patel. The all-rounder produced some thrilling performances with the ball, as well as with the bat. He played a couple of crucial knocks for his side, when the team was under pressure, wanting an important victory.

He didn&#8217;t have a great run with the ball, as he could manage only six wickets in 13 games, but he tried his best to not give away many runs. Axar Patel was one of the bowlers who did not pick many wickets but did not even concede many runs, thereby keeping the scoring rate in check.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-581224" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Harshal-Patel-1.jpg" alt="Harshal Patel" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-581224" class="wp-caption-text">Harshal Patel. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Harshal Patel was impressive in the tournament and was RCB skipper Faf du Plessis’ go-to bowler. He scalped 19 wickets in the 15 games that he played, at a decent economy of 7.66. He registered his best bowling figures of 4/34 against <strong><a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2022-3-players-who-were-underutilized-by-punjab-kings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Punjab Kings</a>,</strong> but his efforts went in vain as the team lost the game.

Now that he will be representing the Indian side and facing some of the finest players from the South African camp, he will try to continue the wicket-taking prowess, by providing his side with vital breakthroughs whenever necessary.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-540618" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Bhuvneshwar-Kumar-2.jpg" alt="Bhuvneshwar Kumar" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-540618" class="wp-caption-text">Bhuvneshwar Kumar. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been a regular in the Indian squad, being one of the senior members of the team. He is one of the most experienced players in the T20I squad that is set to face South Africa, and his experience is what will come in handy for the team.

Kumar has gone through some tough times and was put under the test multiple times whenever his team struggled. He never failed to surprise everyone with his seam deliveries and year after year produced some fine performances. KL Rahul will look to get Kumar’s services in the team, as he would lead the pace attack.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-608166" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Avesh-Khan.jpg" alt="Avesh Khan" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-608166" class="wp-caption-text">Avesh Khan (Photo source: Twitter)</figcaption>

In the first T20I, Avesh Khan could be another speedster for the Indian lineup. In IPL 2022, the right-arm pacer was quite efficient, taking 18 wickets in 13 games for his franchise, Lucknow Super Giants. Avesh has only appeared in two T20Is for India thus far. He took two wickets in his last T20I match against Sri Lanka.

His positive outing at the IPL will back him in the upcoming series, and he will carry the confidence and the momentum along. Being a part of the lineup alongside one of the greats of the game- Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the young pacer will look to utilize every opportunity that arises.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-607959" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Chahal-4.jpg" alt="Yuzi Chahal" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-607959" class="wp-caption-text">Yuzi Chahal (Photo source: Twitter)</figcaption>

<strong><a href="https://www.crictracker.com/yuzvendra-chahal-varies-his-line-so-beautifully-that-you-feel-the-guy-is-a-grandmaster-aakash-chopra/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yuzvendra Chahal</a></strong> will be another player to watch out for in the upcoming competition. He was the leading wicket-taker in the IPL 2022 and broke all records by becoming the first spinner to scalp 27 wickets in a single edition of the tournament. He produced some brilliant spells while representing the Rajasthan Royals, which also included a hat-trick being converted into a five-wicket haul.

India will need him to repeat the heroics against Proteas and take charge of the game. The spinner has aced his skills and manages to bowl at the perfect line and length, making it difficult for the opposition batters to try and hit him for big shots.

<p>India will be hosting South Africa for a five-match T20I series starting June 9, with the first game set to be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. The tour will conclude on June 19, when the two teams meet for the final T20I of the series. While the Indian selectors have named KL Rahul as the team’s captain, the Proteas team will be led by white-ball skipper <strong><a href="https://www.crictracker.com/no-batter-likes-to-face-ball-at-150-kmph-temba-bavuma-on-possibility-of-facing-umran-malik-in-upcoming-t20is/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Temba Bavuma</a></strong>.</p>
<p>The visitors have announced a full-strength 16-member squad for this series. On the other hand, India has 18 players to pick from in their best XI. While the South African team includes all of its star players, the Indian team will be missing its key players such as former skipper Virat Kohli, all-format skipper Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Shami as the senior members have been given a break, post the IPL 2022.</p>
<h3><strong>Let us have a look at India’s Predicted XI for the 1st T20I:</strong></h3>
<h3><strong>1. Ruturaj Gaikwad</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_592733" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-592733" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-592733" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Ruturaj-Gaikwad-2.jpg" alt="Ruturaj Gaikwad" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-592733" class="wp-caption-text">Ruturaj Gaikwad. (Photo by ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP via Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>With KL Rahul’s exit from the series at the very last moment, there are high chances of the Chennai Super Kings opener Ruturaj Gaikwad getting a push for the series. He made his T20I debut against Sri Lanka last year and could score just 35 runs in two games. He then played the series against West Indies as regular opener KL Rahul was yet again out with injury. Gaikwad took the opening slot and batted alongside Ishan Kishan.</p>
<p>But then again, he was given a chance only during the third and final ODI, when India had already clinched the series. He was the leading run-scorer in the IPL last year, but could not meet the expectation this year. He played a couple of fine knocks for CSK but was not consistent. The opening slot has to be filled in Rahul’s absence and with the senior members missing out on the series, Gaikwad will be positioned on top of the lineup.</p>
<p></p>
<h3><strong>2. Ishan Kishan</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_607579" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-607579" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-607579" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Ishan-Kishan-1.jpg" alt="Ishan Kishan" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-607579" class="wp-caption-text">Ishan Kishan (Photo source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Ishan Kishan will assist Rahul in the top order, as the opener. He started his IPL 2022 campaign with the Mumbai Indians brilliantly, hitting back to back half-centuries, but could not carry the momentum for a long time, as he failed to produce strong performances in the latter stages of the league.</p>
<p>However, he made a strong recovery at the finish, scoring 418 runs in 14 games of the league stage at&nbsp;an average of 32.15. The wicketkeeper batter scored 105 runs in two games against <strong><a href="https://www.crictracker.com/sri-lanka-announce-their-playing-xi-for-1st-t20i-against-australia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sri Lanka</a></strong> in his previous T20I series, including one fifty. He was also the third-highest run-getter of the series.</p>
<h3><strong>3. Shreyas Iyer</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_495046" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-495046" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-495046" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Shreyas-Iyer.jpg" alt="Shreyas Iyer" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-495046" class="wp-caption-text">Shreyas Iyer. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Though Shreyas Iyer did not have a dream run at the IPL this season, he tried to put his best foot forward. He played some crucial knocks for the team when Kolkata Knight Riders were put under pressure and displayed composure on the field. He managed to score three half-centuries in the 14 games, that he played at the IPL, taking his tally to 401 runs.</p>
<p>He was also a part of the T20I series against Sri Lanka in February and helped India clinch the series by 3-0. He scored unbeaten half-centuries knock in all the three games and emerged as one of the standout players of the lot.</p>
<h3><strong>4. Hardik Pandya</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_495331" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-495331" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-495331" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Hardik-Pandya-1.jpg" alt="Hardik Pandya" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-495331" class="wp-caption-text">Hardik Pandya. (Photo Source: Twitter/ICC)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Making his way back into the Indian squad is all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who impressed everyone during the IPL 2022 with his captaincy skills, batting, and bowling abilities, as he led Gujarat Titans to a title win in their maiden IPL outing.</p>
<p>He slammed 487 runs in 15 games at the tournament and also added eight wickets under his belt. He was out of action due to an injury but returned at the IPL as the all-rounder that a team looks out for. His impressive performances earned him a place back in the national squad and it will be interesting to see, what he holds in the bag.</p>
<h3><strong>5. Rishabh Pant (Captain and wicketkeeper)</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_598836" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-598836" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-598836" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Rishabh-Pant-9.jpg" alt="Rishabh Pant" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-598836" class="wp-caption-text">Rishabh Pant. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.crictracker.com/started-wicketkeeping-because-my-father-was-a-wicketkeeper-rishabh-pant/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rishabh Pant</a></strong> has been playing a lot of cricket in recent times. He was a part of almost all the India games, along with the IPL 2022. He has been very impressive over the past few years and has emerged as India’s first-choice wicketkeeper-batter. With KL Rahul’s injury at the end moment, he is all set to lead India in the T20Is. He played some fine knocks at the IPL this season but blew hot and cold throughout the tournament.</p>
<p>Pant struck 340 runs in 13 innings, averaging 30.91. He could not score a single half-century this time and was dismissed in the 40s quite a few times. He was pretty impressive in the T20I series against West Indies, which India played in February.&nbsp; The dasher even scored an unbeaten half-century in the second game of the series.</p>
<h3><strong>6. Deepak Hooda</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_582414" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-582414" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-582414" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Deepak-Hooda.jpg" alt="Deepak Hooda" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-582414" class="wp-caption-text">Deepak Hooda. (Photo Source: Instagram)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Deepak Hooda’s outing at the <strong><a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2022-youngest-xi-of-the-tournament/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IPL 2022</a></strong> was no less than a dream coming true. From being a player dreaming high of getting a place in the Indian squad to emerging as one of the finest young talents in the country, grabbing all the attention, Hodda came a long way.</p>
<p>Hooda scored 451 runs in 15 matches for Lucknow, establishing himself as one of the team’s middle-order pillars. Consistent tournament results also helped him secure a position in the upcoming home series. He will yet again be playing under his LSG skipper KL Rahul, and the duo will surely try to put up some good partnerships as they did in the IPL.</p>
<h3><strong>7. Axar Patel</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_581617" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-581617" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-581617" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Axar-Patel.jpg" alt="Axar Patel" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-581617" class="wp-caption-text">Axar Patel. (Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Though Delhi Capitals had a mediocre season this time at the IPL, the team was able to get hold of some players with wholesome potential. One of them was Axar Patel. The all-rounder produced some thrilling performances with the ball, as well as with the bat. He played a couple of crucial knocks for his side, when the team was under pressure, wanting an important victory.</p>
<p>He didn’t have a great run with the ball, as he could manage only six wickets in 13 games, but he tried his best to not give away many runs. Axar Patel was one of the bowlers who did not pick many wickets but did not even concede many runs, thereby keeping the scoring rate in check.</p>
<h3><strong>8. Harshal Patel</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_581224" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-581224" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-581224" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Harshal-Patel-1.jpg" alt="Harshal Patel" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-581224" class="wp-caption-text">Harshal Patel. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Harshal Patel was impressive in the tournament and was RCB skipper Faf du Plessis’ go-to bowler. He scalped 19 wickets in the 15 games that he played, at a decent economy of 7.66. He registered his best bowling figures of 4/34 against <strong><a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2022-3-players-who-were-underutilized-by-punjab-kings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Punjab Kings</a>,</strong> but his efforts went in vain as the team lost the game.</p>
<p>Now that he will be representing the Indian side and facing some of the finest players from the South African camp, he will try to continue the wicket-taking prowess, by providing his side with vital breakthroughs whenever necessary.</p>
<h3><strong>9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_540618" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-540618" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-540618" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Bhuvneshwar-Kumar-2.jpg" alt="Bhuvneshwar Kumar" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-540618" class="wp-caption-text">Bhuvneshwar Kumar. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been a regular in the Indian squad, being one of the senior members of the team. He is one of the most experienced players in the T20I squad that is set to face South Africa, and his experience is what will come in handy for the team.</p>
<p>Kumar has gone through some tough times and was put under the test multiple times whenever his team struggled. He never failed to surprise everyone with his seam deliveries and year after year produced some fine performances. KL Rahul will look to get Kumar’s services in the team, as he would lead the pace attack.</p>
<h3><strong>10. Avesh Khan</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_608166" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-608166" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-608166" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Avesh-Khan.jpg" alt="Avesh Khan" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-608166" class="wp-caption-text">Avesh Khan (Photo source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>In the first T20I, Avesh Khan could be another speedster for the Indian lineup. In IPL 2022, the right-arm pacer was quite efficient, taking 18 wickets in 13 games for his franchise, Lucknow Super Giants. Avesh has only appeared in two T20Is for India thus far. He took two wickets in his last T20I match against Sri Lanka.</p>
<p>His positive outing at the IPL will back him in the upcoming series, and he will carry the confidence and the momentum along. Being a part of the lineup alongside one of the greats of the game- Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the young pacer will look to utilize every opportunity that arises.</p>
<h3><strong>11. Yuzvendra Chahal</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_607959" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-607959" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-607959" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Chahal-4.jpg" alt="Yuzi Chahal" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-607959" class="wp-caption-text">Yuzi Chahal (Photo source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.crictracker.com/yuzvendra-chahal-varies-his-line-so-beautifully-that-you-feel-the-guy-is-a-grandmaster-aakash-chopra/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yuzvendra Chahal</a></strong> will be another player to watch out for in the upcoming competition. He was the leading wicket-taker in the IPL 2022 and broke all records by becoming the first spinner to scalp 27 wickets in a single edition of the tournament. He produced some brilliant spells while representing the Rajasthan Royals, which also included a hat-trick being converted into a five-wicket haul.</p>
<p>India will need him to repeat the heroics against Proteas and take charge of the game. The spinner has aced his skills and manages to bowl at the perfect line and length, making it difficult for the opposition batters to try and hit him for big shots.</p>

<p>India will be hosting South Africa for a five-match T20I series starting June 9, with the first game set to be played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. The tour will conclude on June 19, when the two teams meet for the final T20I of the series. While the Indian selectors have named KL Rahul as the team’s captain, the Proteas team will be led by white-ball skipper <strong><a href="https://www.crictracker.com/no-batter-likes-to-face-ball-at-150-kmph-temba-bavuma-on-possibility-of-facing-umran-malik-in-upcoming-t20is/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Temba Bavuma</a></strong>.</p>
<p>The visitors have announced a full-strength 16-member squad for this series. On the other hand, India has 18 players to pick from in their best XI. While the South African team includes all of its star players, the Indian team will be missing its key players such as former skipper Virat Kohli, all-format skipper Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Shami as the senior members have been given a break, post the IPL 2022.</p>
<h3><strong>Let us have a look at India’s Predicted XI for the 1st T20I:</strong></h3>
<h3><strong>1. Ruturaj Gaikwad</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_592733" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-592733" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-592733" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Ruturaj-Gaikwad-2.jpg" alt="Ruturaj Gaikwad" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-592733" class="wp-caption-text">Ruturaj Gaikwad. (Photo by ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP via Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>With KL Rahul’s exit from the series at the very last moment, there are high chances of the Chennai Super Kings opener Ruturaj Gaikwad getting a push for the series. He made his T20I debut against Sri Lanka last year and could score just 35 runs in two games. He then played the series against West Indies as regular opener KL Rahul was yet again out with injury. Gaikwad took the opening slot and batted alongside Ishan Kishan.</p>
<p>But then again, he was given a chance only during the third and final ODI, when India had already clinched the series. He was the leading run-scorer in the IPL last year, but could not meet the expectation this year. He played a couple of fine knocks for CSK but was not consistent. The opening slot has to be filled in Rahul’s absence and with the senior members missing out on the series, Gaikwad will be positioned on top of the lineup.</p>
<p></p>
<h3><strong>2. Ishan Kishan</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_607579" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-607579" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-607579" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Ishan-Kishan-1.jpg" alt="Ishan Kishan" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-607579" class="wp-caption-text">Ishan Kishan (Photo source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Ishan Kishan will assist Rahul in the top order, as the opener. He started his IPL 2022 campaign with the Mumbai Indians brilliantly, hitting back to back half-centuries, but could not carry the momentum for a long time, as he failed to produce strong performances in the latter stages of the league.</p>
<p>However, he made a strong recovery at the finish, scoring 418 runs in 14 games of the league stage at an average of 32.15. The wicketkeeper batter scored 105 runs in two games against <strong><a href="https://www.crictracker.com/sri-lanka-announce-their-playing-xi-for-1st-t20i-against-australia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sri Lanka</a></strong> in his previous T20I series, including one fifty. He was also the third-highest run-getter of the series.</p>
<h3><strong>3. Shreyas Iyer</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_495046" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-495046" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-495046" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Shreyas-Iyer.jpg" alt="Shreyas Iyer" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-495046" class="wp-caption-text">Shreyas Iyer. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Though Shreyas Iyer did not have a dream run at the IPL this season, he tried to put his best foot forward. He played some crucial knocks for the team when Kolkata Knight Riders were put under pressure and displayed composure on the field. He managed to score three half-centuries in the 14 games, that he played at the IPL, taking his tally to 401 runs.</p>
<p>He was also a part of the T20I series against Sri Lanka in February and helped India clinch the series by 3-0. He scored unbeaten half-centuries knock in all the three games and emerged as one of the standout players of the lot.</p>
<h3><strong>4. Hardik Pandya</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_495331" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-495331" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-495331" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Hardik-Pandya-1.jpg" alt="Hardik Pandya" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-495331" class="wp-caption-text">Hardik Pandya. (Photo Source: Twitter/ICC)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Making his way back into the Indian squad is all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who impressed everyone during the IPL 2022 with his captaincy skills, batting, and bowling abilities, as he led Gujarat Titans to a title win in their maiden IPL outing.</p>
<p>He slammed 487 runs in 15 games at the tournament and also added eight wickets under his belt. He was out of action due to an injury but returned at the IPL as the all-rounder that a team looks out for. His impressive performances earned him a place back in the national squad and it will be interesting to see, what he holds in the bag.</p>
<h3><strong>5. Rishabh Pant (Captain and wicketkeeper)</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_598836" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-598836" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-598836" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Rishabh-Pant-9.jpg" alt="Rishabh Pant" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-598836" class="wp-caption-text">Rishabh Pant. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.crictracker.com/started-wicketkeeping-because-my-father-was-a-wicketkeeper-rishabh-pant/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rishabh Pant</a></strong> has been playing a lot of cricket in recent times. He was a part of almost all the India games, along with the IPL 2022. He has been very impressive over the past few years and has emerged as India’s first-choice wicketkeeper-batter. With KL Rahul&#8217;s injury at the end moment, he is all set to lead India in the T20Is. He played some fine knocks at the IPL this season but blew hot and cold throughout the tournament.</p>
<p>Pant struck 340 runs in 13 innings, averaging 30.91. He could not score a single half-century this time and was dismissed in the 40s quite a few times. He was pretty impressive in the T20I series against West Indies, which India played in February.  The dasher even scored an unbeaten half-century in the second game of the series.</p>
<h3><strong>6. Deepak Hooda</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_582414" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-582414" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-582414" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Deepak-Hooda.jpg" alt="Deepak Hooda" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-582414" class="wp-caption-text">Deepak Hooda. (Photo Source: Instagram)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Deepak Hooda’s outing at the <strong><a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2022-youngest-xi-of-the-tournament/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IPL 2022</a></strong> was no less than a dream coming true. From being a player dreaming high of getting a place in the Indian squad to emerging as one of the finest young talents in the country, grabbing all the attention, Hodda came a long way.</p>
<p>Hooda scored 451 runs in 15 matches for Lucknow, establishing himself as one of the team&#8217;s middle-order pillars. Consistent tournament results also helped him secure a position in the upcoming home series. He will yet again be playing under his LSG skipper KL Rahul, and the duo will surely try to put up some good partnerships as they did in the IPL.</p>
<h3><strong>7. Axar Patel</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_581617" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-581617" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-581617" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Axar-Patel.jpg" alt="Axar Patel" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-581617" class="wp-caption-text">Axar Patel. (Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Though Delhi Capitals had a mediocre season this time at the IPL, the team was able to get hold of some players with wholesome potential. One of them was Axar Patel. The all-rounder produced some thrilling performances with the ball, as well as with the bat. He played a couple of crucial knocks for his side, when the team was under pressure, wanting an important victory.</p>
<p>He didn&#8217;t have a great run with the ball, as he could manage only six wickets in 13 games, but he tried his best to not give away many runs. Axar Patel was one of the bowlers who did not pick many wickets but did not even concede many runs, thereby keeping the scoring rate in check.</p>
<h3><strong>8. Harshal Patel</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_581224" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-581224" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-581224" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Harshal-Patel-1.jpg" alt="Harshal Patel" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-581224" class="wp-caption-text">Harshal Patel. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Harshal Patel was impressive in the tournament and was RCB skipper Faf du Plessis’ go-to bowler. He scalped 19 wickets in the 15 games that he played, at a decent economy of 7.66. He registered his best bowling figures of 4/34 against <strong><a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2022-3-players-who-were-underutilized-by-punjab-kings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Punjab Kings</a>,</strong> but his efforts went in vain as the team lost the game.</p>
<p>Now that he will be representing the Indian side and facing some of the finest players from the South African camp, he will try to continue the wicket-taking prowess, by providing his side with vital breakthroughs whenever necessary.</p>
<h3><strong>9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_540618" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-540618" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-540618" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Bhuvneshwar-Kumar-2.jpg" alt="Bhuvneshwar Kumar" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-540618" class="wp-caption-text">Bhuvneshwar Kumar. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been a regular in the Indian squad, being one of the senior members of the team. He is one of the most experienced players in the T20I squad that is set to face South Africa, and his experience is what will come in handy for the team.</p>
<p>Kumar has gone through some tough times and was put under the test multiple times whenever his team struggled. He never failed to surprise everyone with his seam deliveries and year after year produced some fine performances. KL Rahul will look to get Kumar’s services in the team, as he would lead the pace attack.</p>
<h3><strong>10. Avesh Khan</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_608166" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-608166" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-608166" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Avesh-Khan.jpg" alt="Avesh Khan" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-608166" class="wp-caption-text">Avesh Khan (Photo source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>In the first T20I, Avesh Khan could be another speedster for the Indian lineup. In IPL 2022, the right-arm pacer was quite efficient, taking 18 wickets in 13 games for his franchise, Lucknow Super Giants. Avesh has only appeared in two T20Is for India thus far. He took two wickets in his last T20I match against Sri Lanka.</p>
<p>His positive outing at the IPL will back him in the upcoming series, and he will carry the confidence and the momentum along. Being a part of the lineup alongside one of the greats of the game- Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the young pacer will look to utilize every opportunity that arises.</p>
<h3><strong>11. Yuzvendra Chahal</strong></h3>
<figure id="attachment_607959" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-607959" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-607959" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Chahal-4.jpg" alt="Yuzi Chahal" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-607959" class="wp-caption-text">Yuzi Chahal (Photo source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.crictracker.com/yuzvendra-chahal-varies-his-line-so-beautifully-that-you-feel-the-guy-is-a-grandmaster-aakash-chopra/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yuzvendra Chahal</a></strong> will be another player to watch out for in the upcoming competition. He was the leading wicket-taker in the IPL 2022 and broke all records by becoming the first spinner to scalp 27 wickets in a single edition of the tournament. He produced some brilliant spells while representing the Rajasthan Royals, which also included a hat-trick being converted into a five-wicket haul.</p>
<p>India will need him to repeat the heroics against Proteas and take charge of the game. The spinner has aced his skills and manages to bowl at the perfect line and length, making it difficult for the opposition batters to try and hit him for big shots.</p>

The Indian squad will be led by KL Rahul

IND vs SA: 1st T20 - Predicted India Playing XI vs South Africa

IND Playing 11 - Read the latest India (IND) playing 11 against South Africa (SA) in 1st T20I of the five-match series