"Sanju Samson to Take Wicketkeeping Gloves as India Faces South Africa in 1st T20I; Hardik Pandya and Shubman Gill Make a Comeback"

India vs South Africa 1st T20: Predicted Playing XIs, Squad Revealed by The Indian Express

The highly anticipated 1st T20 match between India and South Africa is set to unfold in Cuttack, with fans eagerly awaiting the clash of these cricketing giants. As the teams gear up for the showdown, The Indian Express has predicted the playing XIs for the thrilling encounter.

Despite the recent Test series whitewash at the hands of South Africa, India remains a force to be reckoned with in the T20 format. The reigning world champions have been on a stellar run since 2024, wiing all six series and tournaments they've participated in. Led by the likes of Abhishek Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and Sanju Samson, India's big-hitting prowess has been a spectacle to behold.

Heading into the 2026 T20 World Cup, India boasts a formidable squad with a few key positions up for grabs. The dynamics of the team have evolved, with the inclusion of Shubman Gill shaking up the top order. With players like Suryakumar Yadav, Axar Patel, and Jasprit Bumrah in their ranks, India is poised to make a strong statement in the upcoming T20I series.

India: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill (vc), Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wk), Hardik Pandya, Harshit Rana, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy

South Africa: Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock, Donovan Ferreira (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Dewald Brevis, Corbin Bosch, Marco Jansen, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Keshav Maharaj

India Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar

South Africa Squad: Aiden Markram (c), Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Reeza Hendricks, David Miller, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Marco Jansen, Quinton de Kock (wk), Donovan Ferreira (wk), Tristan Stubbs, Ottneil Baartman, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje

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