India's likely playing XI for the South Africa ODI series with seniors absent
From 6th October, India will be involved in three ODIs against South Africa. The players part of the T20I setup will travel to Australia and hence, they will not be available. In this article, we take a look at India's likely playing XI for the South Africa ODI series with seniors absent.
After the 2022 T20 World Cup, the focus would quickly shift to the 2023 ODI World Cup. It can be said that the preparations have started and the series against South Africa will be vital for a few players to retain their place. We could also see a number of debutants play in this tournament.
Openers: Shikhar Dhawan (C) and Shubman Gill
Shikhar Dhawan and Shubman Gill will be the openers in India's likely playing XI for the South Africa ODI series with seniors absent. Both these players have done well every time they have got a chance, especially Gill. Hence, this duo will feature as the openers with the likes of Prithvi Shaw as the backup. Although Dhawan is set to be part of India's plans, if he does not do well, Gill could take up his spot very quickly.
Middle-Order: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rajat Patidar, Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson (WK)
The middle order of Team India does not have too many spots left. With the preferred cricketers in the T20I Team, India is likely to field a fresh middle order against South Africa. Ruturaj Gaikwad might play at No.3 because the opening combination cannot be disturbed. Rahul Tripathi may also get a chance here. Rajat Patidar could make his debut after a string of solid shows. Ishan Kishan is likely to take a spot in the middle order as the left-hander. Sanju Samson will be the most important player in the middle order and might feature as the finisher.
All-Rounders: Shahbaz Ahmed
West Bengal cricketer Shahbaz Ahmed is part of India's likely playing XI for the South Africa ODI series with seniors absent. He is likely to feature as the sole all-rounder in the XI. Players such as Venkatesh Iyer and Rishi Dhawan could also get a chance depending on the fitness and availability of the preferred cricketers in the bowling department. For Shahbaz, it will be a good opportunity to improve his chances of competing with the likes of Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja for a spot in the main Indian XI.
Bowlers: Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna and Kuldeep Yadav
Shardul Thakur will play at No.8 and will be the most experienced pacer in this XI. If Siraj is available and Prasidh is fit, both players will be a part of the squad. If not, the likes of Umran Malik and Kuldeep Sen could get a chance. It would not be a surprise if Umesh Yadav also gets an opportunity. Kuldeep Yadav will be the lead spinner and Rahul Chahar might be his backup.