India vs South Africa 1st T20I: India's predicted playing XI

After hammering West Indies on its recently-concluded tour of the Caribbean islands, the Indian Cricket Team will flag off a long home season by locking horns with South Africa in Freedom Trophy 2019. The teams will first cross swords in a three match T20I series, starting Sunday in Dharamsala.

The hosts, helmed by ViratKohli, are expected to field a full-strength squad against a South African side that seems to be brimming with talent and exciting young prospects.

While the top order is not likely to throw any surprises in terms of selection, the middle-order is expected to be boosted with the return of all-rounder Hardik Pandya. The seam attack too looks in good form and will be keen on continuing its impressive run from the Caribbean.

India's Predicted Playing XI:

Openers: Rohit Sharma and ShikharDhawan

The Men in Blue will be banking on its ever-reliable opening pair of Rohit Sharma and ShikharDhawan to work their magic early in the innings. The focus though will largely lie on Dhawan, who is expected to turn the tide after registering poor returns against West Indies.

Middle Order: ViratKohli, ShreyasIyer, Rishabh Pant

The no 3 slot will be assumed by the Indian skipper, who looked in good touch against Windies. Young talents ShreyasIyer and Rishabh Pant, who grabbed eyeballs with impressive outings in the Caribbean, are likely to follow suit at slots 4 and 5 respectively.

All Rounders: Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, RavindraJadeja

The return of Hardik Pandya will be adding firepower to the Indian middle order. The lanky all-rounder, with his medium pace, will also bolster the bowling strength of the side to offer additional options to ViratKohli. Left arm spinners Krunal Pandya and RavindraJadeja are likely to be find spots in the team as the other all-rounders.

Seamers: Deepak Chahar, Navdeep Saini, Khaleel Ahmed

Deepak Chahar's jaw-dropping spell in the 3rd T20I against West Indies assures him of a spot in the first T20I against South Africa. Left-arm seamerKhaleelAhmed might get a look in too while Navdeep Saini is expected to rattle the Proteas batsmen with his raw pace.

India's Predicted Playing XI:

Rohit Sharma, ShikharDhawan, ViratKohli (C), ShreyasIyer, Rishabh Pant (WK), Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, RavindraJadeja, Deepak Chahar, Navdeep Saini, Khaleel Ahmed