Ahead of the T20 series against South Africa (India vs South Africa), the Indian team faces a pleasant yet tough selection puzzle. With the 2026 T20 World Cup preparations in mind, head coach Gautam Gambhir and the team management are reportedly considering several bold decisions. The biggest dilemmas appear to be Jitesh Sharma vs Sanju Samson and Harshit Rana vs Arshdeep Singh.
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Shubman Gill, returning from injury, is set to open alongside Abhishek Sharma. Though Sanju Samson prefers opening, Gill is being preferred for his anchoring ability. Abhishek will take on the aggressive role. Captain and world No. 1 T20 batter Suryakumar Yadav will bat at his favorite No. 3 position. Tilak Varma is expected to be the priority at No. 4, adding left-handed balance to the lineup.
As wicketkeeper, Jitesh Sharma is currently ahead of Sanju. The reason is simple — Jitesh is explosive from ball one and is a specialist finisher, a role in which India lacks options. If Sanju plays, he would need to come down the order, which is not his natural position.
Hardik Pandya’s Return Strengthens Team Balance
Hardik Pandya’s comeback provides the perfect balance — destructive batting at No. 5 and four overs of medium-fast bowling. After him comes the reliable all-rounder Axar Patel.
In pace bowling, Jasprit Bumrah will lead the attack. Arshdeep Singh’s experience helps his case, but young Harshit Rana’s speed and aggression make him a strong contender. With Hardik available as an additional pacer, Harshit could comfortably bowl all four overs if selected.
In the spin department, Kuldeep Yadav will partner with mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, a combination that could trouble South Africa’s middle order.
India’s Probable XI :
Shubman Gill (Vice-captain), Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (Captain), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma, (Wicketkeeper), Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh / Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah