India's predicted playing XI for the 1st T20I vs South Africa ft. Shubman Gill & Shivam Dube

India are all set to face off against South Africa in a five-match T20I series. The opening encounter will be contested in Cuttack on Tuesday, December 9.

The Men in Blue are on the back of a 2-1 ODI series victory over the Proteas. With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, they will be intent on getting the job done in the shortest format as well.

India’s T20I squad for the South Africa series: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill (vice-captain), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Sanju Samson (wk), Washington Sundar, Hardik Pandya.

On that note, here is India's predicted playing XI for the first T20I against South Africa.

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Openers: Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma

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Shubman Gill is all set to return to international cricket, having recovered from his neck injury. The vice-captain of the side is expected to feature at the top of the order alongside Abhishek Sharma, who has been unstoppable. Gill will want to ensure that there are no doubts over his place in the team heading into the T20 World Cup.

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Middle Order: Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Hardik Pandya

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Picking India's middle order is a straightforward task. Sanju Samson doesn't have his ideal role in the team and could thus be dropped to the bench, with Jitesh Sharma being picked as the primary wicket-keeper. Rinku Singh, meanwhile, isn't in the squad.

Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube and Axar Patel have been integral parts of the side over the last few months, while Hardik Pandya's return will bolster both departments. Hardik reportedly suffered a bit of discomfort while bowling in the nets, so whether he features on Tuesday remains to be seen. If the all-rounder isn't available, the Men in Blue could opt to pick a specialist quick in the form of Arshdeep Singh.

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Lower Order: Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy

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Picking Arshdeep won't be a bad idea, but India have rarely chosen that combination in home conditions. Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy could form a two-pronged spin attack, with Jasprit Bumrah leading the pace unit. Harshit Rana is expected to be on the bench, although his batting ability has coaxed the team management into making some interesting decisions.