With India and South Africa looking to kick off their five-match T20I series at theBarabati Stadium in Cuttack, former all-rounder Irfan Pathan has revealed his preferred India playing XI for the opening clash. In an attempt at strengthening India's lower order and bowling attack, Pathan has left out wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, opting instead for Jitesh Sharma.
The former opted forthe opening pair of Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill, with the latter returning from a neck spasm. Pathan had stated that Gill has to cement his spot in the shortest format of the game.
Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma are set to form the middle order with the right-left combination that has served India well.Having excluded Samson, Pathan instead picked Jitesh Sharma as a lower-order finisher, believing that the Men in Blue need a power-hitter who can bat from No. 6 onwards at a strike rate above 170, especially with Hardik Pandya also returning from injury. He stated India's limited batting depth at No. 8 but prioritised wicket-taking bowling options.
