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As India gears up for the upcoming ODI series versus South Africa, cricket enthusiasts are buzzing with anticipation, eagerly awaiting the unveiling of the best playing XI. With a combination of seasoned players and emerging talents, the squad promises an exciting blend of experience and youthful exuberance.
However, Virat Kohli (Player of the Tournament in the ODI World Cup 2023), Rohit Sharma (India captain) and the pace duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami have been rested for the 50-overs leg against the Proteas side.
Opening batters
Ruturaj Gaikwad: The young opener has showcased his batting prowess in domestic and T20 leagues. Gaikwad’s ability to anchor an inning makes him a valuable asset at the top of the order.
Sanju Samson: Known for his aggressive stroke play, Samson adds flair to the batting lineup. The wicketkeeper-batter’s consistent performances in One-Day cricket make him a reliable choice to provide his team a fruitful start.
Middle-Order
Tilak Varma: The talented youngster has caught the attention of cricket aficionados with his impressive performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Varma’s inclusion adds dynamism to the batting lineup and augurs well for the team’s future.
Shreyas Iyer: A seasoned campaigner, Iyer brings stability and experience to the middle order. His ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed makes him a crucial asset.
KL Rahul (c & wk): Leading the team from the front, Rahul’s leadership skills combined with his prolific batting and wicketkeeping abilities make him the ideal choice for captain and wicketkeeper.
Finisher
Rinku Singh: Known for his finishing abilities, Singh adds firepower to India’s batting unit. His ability to score quickly can be a game-changer in the limited-overs format.
Spinners
Axar Patel: A reliable all-rounder, Patel’s left-arm spin and lower-order hitting make him a valuable asset. His economical bowling spells and handy contributions with the bat provide balance to the team.
Kuldeep Yadav: The wrist-spinner’s ability to bamboozle batsmen with his variations makes him a potent weapon in the bowling department. Yadav’s knack for picking up crucial wickets adds depth to the team’s attack.
Also READ: South Africa vs India 2023 ODI Series: Fixtures, squads, where to watch on TV & live streaming details
Fast bowlers
Mukesh Kumar: The right-arm pacer has impressed with his pace and ability to swing the ball. Kumar’s inclusion provides the team with an additional pace option and variety in the bowling attack.
Avesh Khan: With a consistent performance in domestic cricket and T20 leagues, Khan has earned his spot in the Indian team. The right-arm fast bowler’s ability to hit the right lengths and generate bounce can trouble the opposition.
Arshdeep Singh: Arshdeep’s ability to swing the new ball and deliver crucial breakthroughs makes him a key component of the pace battery. His yorkers in the death overs make him a reliable option for the team.
This well-rounded playing XI, featuring a mix of youth and experience, aims to strike the perfect balance between batting and bowling. As the cricketing world awaits the action-packed series, the chosen players are poised to showcase their skills and contribute to India’s quest for victory over South Africa.
