South Africa vs India, 1st T20I Predicted XI: Will Ramandeep Singh make his debut?

India's T20I series opener against South Africa may see debut opportunities for fresh faces like Ramandeep Singh and Vijaykumar Vyshak. Both players impressed in the IPL and domestic circuits, earning their call-ups for a promising international debut.

In Short

• Ramandeep earned India call-up after impressive IPL, domestic performances
• Vyshak received maiden call-up following strong IPL season with RCB
• India might consider Ramandeep to fill all-rounder role vacancy

As India gears up for the first T20I against South Africa in Durban on November 8, there’s plenty of anticipation around the debut of new talents. Among the emerging names in the squad, 29-year-old all-rounder Ramandeep Singh is one to watch, as he’s likely to make his senior team debut. Known for his explosive batting in the lower order and his effective contributions with the ball, Ramandeep has been on the selectors' radar following his impressive performances in both the IPL and domestic cricket.

Ramandeep played a key role in Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) title-winning IPL 2024 campaign, where he showcased his finishing ability with the bat and was a reliable option with the ball. His standout performances in the IPL, along with his contributions to India A's Emerging Asia Cup campaign, ultimately earned him his first senior India call-up. As a versatile all-rounder, he may fill a critical role in India's lineup, especially with the absence of players like Shivam Dube and Riyan Parag, both sidelined due to injuries.

Another name in the spotlight is Vijaykumar Vyshak, a 27-year-old medium pacer who received his maiden call-up for this series. Vyshak’s rise has been swift, starting with an impressive IPL season for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and followed by solid performances in the Duleep Trophy. Known for his accuracy and ability to bowl under pressure, Vyshak has shown potential to deliver in high-stakes matches.

Despite his strong domestic and IPL credentials, Vyshak’s chances of featuring in the opening game may be limited. India already has a robust bowling lineup, with Arshdeep Singh as a pace spearhead and Yash Dayal also in line for a debut after his own stellar IPL season with RCB.

With Suryakumar Yadav leading a side that has new faces and high expectations, the team management might consider Ramandeep’s experience in all-round roles to strengthen their batting depth and versatility. This match will not only kickstart the T20I series but could also serve as a proving ground for India’s next generation of stars.

South Africa vs India, 1st T20I: Predicted XIs

India Predicted XI: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Ramandeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Yash Dayal

or,

Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Tilak Verma, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Yash Dayal

South Africa Predicted XI: Ryan Rickelton (wicketkeeper), Aiden Markram (captain), Hienrich Klaasen, Tristan Stubbs, Reeza Hendricks, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Patrick Kruger, Ottneil Baartman, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj