India vs Bangladesh 2019: India's predicted playing XI for the first T20

Middle order

KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant

In Virat Kohli's absence, KL Rahul might be slotted in the playing XI at the number 3 position. Even though he has lost his place in the Test side, Rahul looked in great touch in the recently concluded Vijay Hazare Trophy.

He scored 598 runs at an average of 66.64, finishing as the third highest run-getter of the tournament. Rahul played a pivotal role in Karnataka's title victory, and would be hoping to build on that.

Shreyas Iyer, who is touted to be India's long-term number 4 in ODIs, will be eager to cement a place in the T20 side as well.

However, all eyes will be on Rishabh Pant in the T20 series. The 22-year-old has been guilty of throwing away his wicket frequently by playing loose shots, which has invited a lot of criticism.

There will be extra pressure on Pant with the presence of Sanju Samson in the squad; Samson struck a sensational double hundred in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.