Like Team India prepare against a high octane five match t20 international series South AfricaThe former India all-rounder, starting today at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack Irfan Pathan fielded his preferred XI. In a move with a clear focus on batting depth and a dynamic finisher, the selection of Pathan marks the experienced WicketKeeper-Batsman Sanju Samsonprefer explosive lower-order prowess instead Jitesh Sharma.
Irfan Pathan’s mix of aggression and experience at his peak
Streamed on his YouTube channel, Pathan’s Xi has an attractive blend of youth and experience, designed to set an aggressive pace from the first ball. The young duo chose Abhishek Sharma and rotating Shubman Gill as openers. Pathan supported himself with cement in the T20 format after a neck spasm ruled him out of the earlier part of the tour.
The middle order is anchored by the stability and firepower of the captain Suryakumar Yadav Number three followed from the promising left side Do not pray at four. This top four provides a right/left arm combination that can trouble the proteas’ bowling attack.
No place for Sanju Samson
The former Pacer’s philosophy is strongly evident in the all-round slots, which are crucial for balance in the shortest format. Akhar Patel Double Utility-Tight spin bowling and handy lower-order batting – was picked as the return star. Hardik Pandyaslots number six. Pandya coming off a Quadriceps injury adds huge value and his form will be in focus as the team builds towards the next side ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Pathan’s most significant addition from the line-up is the selection of Jitesh as Wicketeeper over Sanju. Pathan has previously emphasized the need for a reliable finisher alongside Pandya, and Jitesh seems to have sealed his place as a real orderly mistake in the IPL, a true range rep north of 170. This decision underscores the team’s priority: a proven, high-impact result over Sanju’s average order.
Lethal Spin Duo highlights the Bowling Attack
The bowling section is spearheaded by the return of the spearhead Jasprit BumrahHe will take up the mantle of the attacking leader after being rested for the ODI series. Pathan highlighted the need to improve India’s bowling depth and their PACE contingent.
In the spin department, Pathan favored a wrist-spinner duo Kuldeep Yadav and cannabis spinner Varun Chakravarthyproviding the option of taking a wicket through the middle overs. Arshdeep Singh With his attack, left arm and lethal specialist skills, Bumrah remains indispensable in his side.
Irfan Pathan’s India XI for the first T20I against South Africa
Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Tilak Varma, Axar Panda, Hardik Pandya, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah.
Read: IND VS SA: 3 Indian players who can cause trouble in South Africa in T20I series
