India's ideal playing XI vs South Africa for the T20 series

Over the years, India haven’t played a lot of T20 internationals but in the next 6 months, the men in blue will be preparing themselves for the 2016 T20 World Cup with a series of matches. It begins with a 3-match T20 series against South Africa at home. So we try to figure out the best possible XI for India in this format for this particular series. We have made some small tweaks to the batting lineup based on what each member can offer.

#1 Shikhar Dhawan

He is no Virender Sehwag at the top of the order, but he is mightily effective and is the closest we have had to the legendary right-hander. Shikhar Dhawan has cemented his spot as India’s first-choice opener across all formats and will be leading the charge once again.

He relishes playing this format and he is so good at disturbing a bowler’s line and length by constantly shuffling across the crease. Don’t be surprised if he manages to score a 100.

#2 Ajinkya Rahane

This might surprise a few, but India ideally should have Rahane bat as an opener in T20s. Rohit Sharma is better suited as a middle order batsman at least in this format. There is absolutely no point in picking Rahane and making him bat at 4 or 5 in the T20 format as he will be ineffective.

His exploits for the Rajasthan Royals over the years in the IPL as an opener says it all. He made his debut for India in this format and scored a 50 impressing one and all with his range of shots. At the same time, Rahane will be under pressure to deliver almost every game if this move materialises.

And if he fails, he will be likely replaced by Rayudu who will then move to the middle order pushing Rohit to the top again.

#3 Virat Kohli

The Test skipper is the ideal number 3 for India in the limited overs formats. Kohli initially found it hard to master the T20 format, but over the years the strike rate has gone up tremendously.

Last year’s World Cup in Bangladesh proved to be very fruitful for him as he ended up winning the man of the tournament award for his outstanding displays with the bat. He was miles ahead of the rest in the batting charts with 319 runs to his name (averaged more than 100).

And with the tournament being played in similar conditions next year, one can expect more fireworks from him.

#4 Rohit Sharma

Like mentioned earlier, it’s only logical that India should have Rohit coming out at number 4 for them. The Mumbai batsman has had tasted great success at 4 and 5 for the Mumbai Indians and the Deccan Chargers over the years in the IPL.

He loves to finish off matches in this format and hasn’t succumbed to pressure while chasing. He can ruthlessly demolish an attack on his day and doesn’t even need time to settle in. What more do you need from your middle order batsman?

Imagine having to bowl to the likes of Rohit, Dhoni and Raina in a T20 match after dismissing the top 3.

#5 MS Dhoni (wicket-keeper)

The skipper has decided to bat at number 4 in ODIs in order to give Suresh Raina the chance to cement himself as India’s future number 6. The team management must do the same in the T20 format as well since Dhoni himself isn’t too clear about his long-term future.

He might be having a moderate strike rate by his standards in T20 internationals, but you know what to expect when he is given a little bit of freedom. Rohit and Dhoni can interchange their positions if needed.

#6 Suresh Raina

Fans might argue that Raina’s record is superior as a number 3 batsman in this format in the IPL. He is after all the highest run-getter in the history of the IPL and considering the matches are being played in India, it is worth considering.

But among the rest, he is best suited as a finisher and as discussed earlier, India are already starting to prepare for life after Dhoni. So this is the moment! He has been Dhoni’s understudy for a while and that’s exactly why the skipper personally prefers the left-hander to be his long term replacement at number 6.

His off-spin will prove to be crucial as well.

#7 Axar Patel

The number 7 spot is up for grabs! In the absence of Ravindra Jadeja who has been dropped, Axar Patel looks like the ideal replacement as his game is similar. But India can afford to experiment if they decide to include another seamer in the XI.

Stuart Binny who had a decent outing in the recent Test series against Sri Lanka first came into the limelight through his performances in the T20 format.

So India can surprise their opposition by picking him ahead of Axar if needed. But for now, the spinner gets the nod as the conditions will suit him better.

#8 Ravichandran Ashwin

India’s number 1 spinner, perhaps the number 1 bowler we should say across all formats, Ashwin’s battle against the big-hitting South African line-up will be a contest to look out for. He is Dhoni’s trump card as he can bowl at any stage during the innings.

It will be interesting to see how the side manages his workload as India have a busy schedule ahead. They might rest him for the final T20 or the final ODI in order to keep him fresh and fit for the gruelling 4-match Test series.

Having Axar, Ashwin, Bhajji and Mishra in the squad is a clear indication that India will in all likelihood play 3 spinners.

#9 Harbhajan Singh

Bhajji might have lost his Test spot yet again, but he is surely in India’s plans for next year’s World T20. And why not considering his superb performances in the Indian Premier League for Mumbai Indians over the years.

Having played almost 200 T20 matches in his career, the Turbanator has a miserly economy of below 7. No other spinner in the country knows the local conditions better. He had a good season in the IPL earlier this year picking up 18 wickets at an average of 24.

India also have Amit Mishra as their backup spinner and he can lend variety to the attack as he is the only legspinner in the squad.

#10 Bhuvneshwar Kumar

It’s been a mixed year for Bhuvneshwar Kumar, but the selectors have kept faith in him as he has been chosen to lead the bowling attack in this series. He lost his spot during the World Cup because of an injury he suffered prior to it.

He then had a brilliant outing in the IPL bowling well with the new ball and delivering at the death as well. Post the IPL, he once again struggled before rediscovering his mojo during the Zimbabwean tour.

In the absence of the likes of Shami, Ishant and Yadav, he needs to stamp his authority. All he needs to do is stop AB! Yes, a ‘very simple’ task.

#11 Sreenath Aravind

Sreenath Aravind is back in the frame yet again after going off the radar temporarily. He came into the limelight with some impressive performances for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 2011 IPL.

He also bowled well for Karnataka and thus earned a call-up to the national side. But he didn’t get a game that time. He is expected to make his debut this time around though and should ideally start ahead of Mohit Sharma, the 3^rd seamer in the squad.

That will provide a much-needed variety to India’s attack, which is very essential in the T20 format to disrupt the batsmen.