India vs South Africa, 2020 – India’s Predicted Playing XI for ODI series

After a poor outing to New Zealand, now the Men in Blue are gearing up for a three-match ODI series against South Africa that is slated to begin from 12th of March. Virat Kohli and Co. is the number one team in the latest ODI rankings. But, there is one more thing to add on is that they suffered a whitewash in the 50-over format against BlackCaps. Now, it will be interesting to watch how Team India mark their way back on the winning track.

It will not be a cakewalk for the Kohli and his men as South Africa is in great form in the 50-over format, who whitewashed strong side of Australia in a three-match series. The Proteas side has worked hard to fill all the voids in their side. Now, they look pretty strong with all their young players performing to the best of their abilities.

However, BCCI recently announced a strong 15-member squad for the three-match ODI series and it marks the return of players like Shikhar Dhawan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Hardik Pandya, who have fully recovered from their respective injuries. Their return will give a much-needed strength to the hosts’ squad. The series opener will be played on 12th March at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala.

Here’s the probable playing XI that can take the field against South Africa in the first ODI:-

1. Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan, the left-hander returns into the national side after recovering from the shoulder injury that he sustained during the 2nd ODI against Australia. He is a sure-short player to open the innings for his team, who has done an impressive job with the bat in the recent past with the bat.

The left-hander has been a vital part of Team India due to his ability to play good knocks in crucial situations. In last five innings, he has mustered 325 runs with the help of two fifties and one-ton. Moreover, he is averaging around 85 in the year 2020.

So, there is no question on why the left-hander shouldn’t open the innings for Team India in the upcoming series. Recently, he displayed his good form with his willow in the final of DY Patil T20 tournament in which he played a blistering knock of 69 runs for his side.