IND vs SA T20I Series: new captain enter, big changes in playing XI

India captain KL Rahul and spin bowler Kuldeep Yadav was on Wednesday ruled out of the T20 series against South Africa due to injuries, BCCI said. KL Rahul was appointed as the captain for the India vs South Africa T20I series beginning in New Delhi on Thursday. IND vs SA T20I Series: new captain enter big changes in playing XI.

Wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant, who was named as Rahul’s deputy, will captain the side. Hardik Pandya has been named as vice-captain for the series. “Team India Captain KL Rahul has been ruled out of the T20I series against South Africa owing to a right groin injury while Kuldeep Yadav will miss out in the T20I series after getting hit on his right hand while batting in the nets last evening,” BCCI tweeted.

India is currently placed at the top of the ICC Men’s T20I rankings while South Africa is standing fourth on the rankings. Rishabh Pant will lead the Men in Blues, whereas the Proteas will be led by their regular skipper Temba Bavuma. Both teams have announced a dominant squad and the series will be something to look out for, with some of the finest cricketers in action.

Umran Malik and Arshdeep Singh are newcomers to the Indian side. Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Hardik Pandya will be among the experienced guns. Proteas are relying on their experienced players too. Quinton de Kock, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, and Kagiso Rabada will form the core of the side.

In the 15 encounters between these two sides, India has come out victorious on 9 occasions while the Proteas have made it on 6 occasions. Another exciting series is anticipated here, with both teams looking strong on paper. India will be eying a victory in the series to create a world record for most successive T20I wins.

Also Read: Ind vs SA T20 series: Two top players ruled out, appointed new captain

India vs South Africa T20I Series predicted playing XI:

India predicted playing XI IND vs SA T20I Series:

Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Dinesh Karthik, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Umran Malik

South Africa predicted playing XI:

Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma (C), David Miller, Dwaine Pretorious, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi, Anrich Nortje.