After a run of 12 consecutive wins in <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/india-probable-18-member-squad-for-ireland-t20is/">T20I</a> cricket, Team India will welcome South Africa for a five-match series in June. This bilateral series comes just a few weeks after the conclusion of IPL 2022, hence one can expect a few senior players to be rested for this series. The Men in Blue have a packed schedule, which runs until the end of the year. Rohit Sharma and Co. will have one eye on the T20I World Cup, which is scheduled to be held later this year in Australia.

India will look to exact revenge on the Proteas, who humbled them just a few months ago, in the three-match Test and ODI series each. Rohit Sharma has claimed nine successive wins as the newly designated T20I captain, winning bilateral series&#8217; against New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and West Indies. He will look to maintain this momentum, as the preparations begin for the showdown in Australia. In this article, we look at the probable 18-man squad for the South African series.

India’s probable 18-member squad for South Africa T20Is

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-605512" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Rohit-Sharma1.jpg" alt="Rohit Sharma" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-605512" class="wp-caption-text">Rohit Sharma. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Being the captain of the Indian side, it is unlikely that Rohit Sharma will be rested for this series. Popularly known as &#8216;Hitman&#8217; amongst his fans, Rohit Sharma is having an IPL season to forget, where he is batting at an average of just close to 20. Nevertheless, the 34-year-old batter has been a consistent performer for India over the past decade.

Rohit Sharma has amassed 3313 runs in 125 matches, at an average of 32.17, and a strike rate of around 140. The opener will not only look to find back his form but also make sure that the preparations for India&#8217;s World Cup campaign begin on the right note. Rohit should ideally be opening the batting with his regular partner, KL Rahul, who has been in terrific form in IPL 2022.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-581132" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/KL-Rahul-2.jpg" alt="KL Rahul" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-581132" class="wp-caption-text">KL Rahul. (Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)</figcaption>

KL Rahul will be one of the first names to be included in the Indian squad for the South African series. The stylish opener has been one of the better batters in T20 cricket over the past few years and at times, has even overshadowed a batter of Rohit Sharma&#8217;s quality. Rahul has been in terrific form in the ongoing IPL season, scoring two hundred, both of them coming against the Mumbai Indians.

The cricketer from Karnataka has scored 1831 runs in 56 T20I matches so far at an average of 40.69, and a strike rate of over 140. The right-handed batter will look to play a bit more freely, especially whilst donning the national colors. Although he remains one of the best T20I batters at the moment, his position in the side can be threatened by Ishan Kishan.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-607580" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Ishan-Kishan-2.jpg" alt="Ishan Kishan" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-607580" class="wp-caption-text">Ishan Kishan (Photo source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Ishan Kishan might be having an IPL campaign to forget, but that takes nothing away from the quality the pocket dynamo possesses. The southpaw can clear the fence with ease and is unafraid to take on the bowlers during the powerplay overs. The selectors will certainly stick with the youngster, despite a couple of poor outings in the IPL.

In 10 T20I matches so far, he has scored 289 runs at an average of 32.11 and has a strike rate of over 121.43. The left-handed batter will be hoping to get a couple of matches against South Africa so that he remains in the groove for the T20I World Cup.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-606508" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Suryakumar-Yadav-1.jpg" alt="Suryakumar Yadav" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-606508" class="wp-caption-text">Suryakumar Yadav. (Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption>

In a season to forget for <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2022-3-players-on-whom-mumbai-indians-should-have-spent-more-and-bought-them-in-the-auction/">Mumbai Indians</a>, it has been Suryakumar Yadav who has somewhat put on decent performances with the bat. The right-handed batter has established himself as a regular in the Indian T20I squad, and there is no reason to look past him momentarily.

He was awarded the &#8220;Player of the series&#8221; against West Indies, scoring 107 runs in three innings at an average of 53.50. The Mumbai Indians batter is a solid option to bat at No.3 against South Africa, considering that Virat Kohli will likely be rested for the bilateral series.

Suryakumar Yadav has had an impressive start to his T20I career, scoring 351 runs in 14 matches at an average of nearly 40, and a strike rate of over 165.57. The 31-year-old batter will look to anchor the innings, batting in a relatively new position for him in international Cricket.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-379946" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Sanju-Samson-2.jpg" alt="Sanju Samson" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-379946" class="wp-caption-text">Sanju Samson. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Virat Kohli&#8217;s potential absence leaves an opportunity for the inclusion of Sanju Samson in the T20I squad. The Rajasthan Royals skipper has delivered a couple of impactful performances in IPL 2022 and will look to continue doing the same to boost his chances for the T20 World Cup.

Although he is not certain to be picked, there is a reasonable chance that Sanju Samson will be included in the Indian squad. The right-handed batter will compete for a place in the starting 11 with Shreyas Iyer for the number four spot.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-607964" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Shreyas-iyer-1.jpg" alt="Shreyas Iyer" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-607964" class="wp-caption-text">Shreyas Iyer (Photo source: Twitter)</figcaption>

There was no stopping Shreyas Iyer in the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, a couple of months ago. The right-handed batter smashed 204 runs in three innings against the Asian neighbors, without being dismissed even once. The <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2022-3-players-on-whom-mumbai-indians-should-have-spent-more-and-bought-them-in-the-auction/">Kolkata Knight Riders</a> batter is expected to be included in the 18-man squad for the upcoming bilateral series.

We expect Shreyas Iyer to bat in the middle order, with the likes of Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya. The Mumbai-based batter can score runs at a blistering pace, which was something we saw in the series against Sri Lanka.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-606058" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Rishabh-Pant.jpg" alt="Rishabh Pant" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-606058" class="wp-caption-text">Rishabh Pant (Photo source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Rishabh Pant will be another certain addition to the T20I squad. The left-handed batter will also be the first choice wicket-keeper for the series and is expected to slot in at the No.5 position. There is a possibility of seeing Pant bat higher up the order as well, given the sheer impact he can have on the game.

The Delhi Capitals skipper has plenty of experience in T20I cricket, scoring 683 runs in 43 innings at an average of 24.39. These are not impressive stats from someone of Pant&#8217;s caliber, as he will certainly look to improve his numbers before the T20I World Cup.

<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>

Hardik Pandya has finally hit a purple patch in terms of his performance with the bat, as he has simply been unstoppable in the IPL this season. The Gujarat Titans skipper has led his side from the front, both with the bat and ball. With the T20I World Cup approaching in a few months, the selectors will certainly have Hardik in their plans.

However, the all-rounder might still not be available for bowling against South Africa, given that he suffered a minor groin injury during the first half of the IPL season. Despite his continued struggles with injuries, Hardik Pandya is in much better shape at the moment and has developed into a mature batter. He has scored 553 runs in 54 T20I games and has picked up 42 wickets at an average of 27.40.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-291462" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Dinesh-Karthik-1.jpg" alt="Dinesh Karthik" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-291462" class="wp-caption-text">Dinesh Karthik. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Dinesh Karthik is among the frontrunners for a call-up to the Indian T20I side. The veteran batter has been in the form of his life in the ongoing IPL edition, scoring 216 runs in nine matches at a staggering average of 72, and a strike rate of around 200.

Given the form the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/5-players-who-didnt-perform-in-ipl-2021-and-doing-wonders-in-ipl-2022/">Royal Challengers Bangalore</a> batter is in, it will be difficult to look past him for the bilateral series against South Africa. Moreover, the Dinesh Karthik possesses plenty of international experience and could add another dimension to the batting unit.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-607962" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Ravindra-Jadeja.jpg" alt="Ravindra Jadeja" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-607962" class="wp-caption-text">Ravindra Jadeja (Photo source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Ravindra Jadeja&#8217;s selection for the series against South Africa is in slight doubt, given that he might be rested, keeping in mind the hectic schedule that lies forward. The Indian all-rounder has also been prone to injuries off-late. However, the series against South Africa is the first step in preparation for the World Cup, and the selectors will look to avoid resting too many senior players.

The Chennai Super Kings skipper has grown as a batter in the past few years, forming a crucial part of the lower middle order. The all-rounder has scored 326 runs in T20I cricket at an average just above 20. He has also picked up 48 wickets and is ever reliable on the field.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-606056" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Venkatesh-Iyer-1.jpg" alt="Venkatesh Iyer" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-606056" class="wp-caption-text">Venkatesh Iyer (Photo source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Venkatesh Iyer has been putting on a kind of horror show in IPL 2022 so far. The left-handed batter has looked a pale shadow of his 2021 self, which might cost him a place in the Indian squad. However, the all-rounder from Madhya Pradesh has had a pretty robust start to his T20I career for India, contributing with both, bat and ball.

Moreover, Hardik Pandya is unlikely to play all five T20I games, given his injury concerns, Iyer could be an ideal replacement for the former <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/5-things-that-changed-since-mumbai-indians-last-won-ipl-game/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mumbai Indians</a> all-rounder. It will also be an acid test for Venkatesh Iyer to stake a claim in the T20 World Cup squad.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-469714" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Thangarasu-Natarajan-1.jpg" alt="Thangarasu Natarajan" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-469714" class="wp-caption-text">Thangarasu Natarajan. (Photo by Cameron Spencer &#8211; CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images)</figcaption>

T Natarajan has been of the standout Indian bowlers in IPL 2022. The Sunrisers Hyderabad pacer has been excellent in the slog overs and is among the top contenders to claim the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2022-updated-points-table-orange-cap-and-purple-cap-lists-after-rr-vs-rcb-match/">Purple Cap</a> this season. The left-arm pacer has been marred by injuries in the recent past, which caused him to miss a majority of the 2021 season.

Now, T Natarajan is back to his best this season and is likely to earn a call back to the Indian T20I side. India does not particularly boast of left-arm pacers, hence, Natarajan&#8217;s arrival will add variety to the attack. He put on a good display in the T20I series against Australia in 2020 and has picked up seven wickets in four T20I games so far.

<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 somewhat been on a comeback trail in the 15th edition of the Indian Premier League. The Hyderabad pacer has been effective with the new ball and has also been impactful in the slog overs.

The veteran pacer is not among the fastest bowlers but can be very dangerous with the swing he generates with the new ball. He will certainly be included in the Indian squad for the series against <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/south-africa-to-host-inaugural-under-19-womens-t20-world-cup-in-2023/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">South Africa</a>. In 59 T20I games, he has picked up 58 wickets, at an economy rate of under seven, which is quite good for a bowler who bowls in the slog overs.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-629969" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Umran-Malik-2.jpg" alt="Umran Malik" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-629969" class="wp-caption-text">Umran Malik (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

One bowler who has grabbed the limelight this IPL season is none other than <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2022-match-40-predicted-sunrisers-hyderabad-xi-vs-gujarat-titans/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sunrisers Hyderabad</a> pacer, Umran Malik. The talented Indian pacer has sheer pace and has cleaned up the batters on several instances. The selectors will surely look to groom the youngster by giving him more opportunities in the senior team.

Umran Malik tends to bowl that loose delivery often, something which he will look to work on in the near future. He can bowl at any stage in the game and can be very effective in the slog overs, particularly if he gets his length spot on.

<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>

Avesh Khan broke into the Indian T20I squad on the back of a successful IPL 2021 campaign. The Lucknow Super Giants bowler will be among the five pacers included in the squad against South Africa. He has played just two T20I games so far but has managed to pick up two wickets at an average of 32.50.

With the likes of Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah likely to be rested for the series, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/i-back-my-yorkers-and-bowl-with-100-percent-effort-even-in-practice-sessions-avesh-khan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Avesh Khan</a> will certainly make the cut. The former Delhi Capitals pacer has a knack for picking up crucial wickets, acting as the partnership breaker. Avesh can also bowl a few overs up top with the new ball, and his variations can come in handy in the slog overs.

<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>

<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/didnt-i-tell-you-not-to-bowl-that-harshal-patel-recalls-an-incident-when-zaheer-khan-was-not-happy-with-him-for-bowling-a-slower-delivery/">Harshal Patel</a> also broke into the T20I team, after claiming the Purple Cap in IPL 2021. He has 11 scalps to his name in eight T20I games at an average of 22.45. The Royal Challengers Bangalore pacer is also a frontrunner to be included in the playing XI for the T20I World Cup, hence he will be a part of the series against the Proteas.

Harshal is one of the tougher bowlers to come up against in the slog overs, given that his variations are difficult to catch. He picked up four wickets in two matches against New Zealand last year, and was the joint highest wicket-taker, with an average of just 12.75.

<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>

Yuzvendra Chahal has had a dream start to his IPL 2022 season. The wrist-spinner has picked up a hattrick, a five-wicket haul, and is nearing the 20-wicket mark. And we are just halfway into the season. The <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/theres-heavy-traffic-on-mumbai-pune-express-highway-rajasthan-royals-post-hilarious-tweet-to-misguide-rcb-batter-dinesh-karthik/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rajasthan Royals</a> spinner was left out of the squad for the T20 World Cup in UAE last year.

However, that should not be the case this time around, given that he has become a much more versatile bowler. The 31-year-old will be among the two pure spinners included in the squad for the T20I series against South Africa.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-541866" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Kuldeep-Yadav-2.jpg" alt="Kuldeep Yadav" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-541866" class="wp-caption-text">Kuldeep Yadav. (Photo by ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP via Getty Images)</figcaption>

Kuldeep Yadav has enjoyed a massive turn in fortunes in IPL 2022, as he has been one of the standout bowlers so far. He has picked up 13 wickets in seven matches at an average of 17.38 and has delivered several match-winning performances.

The leg-spinner could manage just five wickets in the last three editions of IPL, and things were falling apart for the promising youngster. Kuldeep&#8217;s former franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) kept him out of the playing XI on most occasions which took a toll on his confidence.

However, persistence and patience have paid off for Kuldeep Yadav, as he is back in the reckoning for a place in the T20 World Cup squad. He will look to perform well in the upcoming bilateral series between India and South Africa to keep away any sort of competition.

Rohit Sharma will look to continue his unbeaten streak as captain, as India welcome South Africa for a five match T20I series in June.

Here is a look at the probable 18-man squad of Team India for the five-game T20I series against South Africa in June.

India’s probable 18-member squad for South Africa T20Is

Rohit Sharma will look to continue his unbeaten streak as captain, as India welcome South Africa for a five match T20I series in June.

18) Kuldeep Yadav