Rohit Sharma announced a few major changes in the playing XI for the first T20I against Temba Bavuma-led South Africa after winning the toss and opting to field first at Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram. Rohit replaced rested Hardik Pandya and Bhuvneshwar Kumar with Rishabh Pant and Arshdeep Singh. In addition, Jasprit Bumrah has been replaced by Deepak Chahar as India’s pace-bowling spearhead has a niggle. Also, Ravichandran Ashwin has been picked in the side in place of Yuzvendra Chahal.
“We are gonna bowl first. It was a good wicket when we played here last time. Bit of green covering but it's gonna be a good batting track. Very critical to continue to do what you're doing and keep that momentum in this format. Very healthy atmosphere in the group and we also want to make sure to tick all the boxes and so far we have been doing good and we just want to continue to do that. Hardik and Bhuvi are rested from the last series. Pant and Arshdeep come in for them. Bumrah and Chahal miss out. Deepak chahar and Ashwin are back,” Rohit said at the coin toss.
“We probably would have fielded first as well. Good going over the last couple of months. This is an important series for us and we want to continue all the good work. Guys always enjoy the India trip, the energy of the guys is up again and nice to be back in action after a couple of months. Different conditions to Australia but in terms of match practice, it is a great opportunity,” Bavuma said after losing the toss in the series opener.
India Playing XI: Rohit Sharma(c), KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant(w), Dinesh Karthik, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Harshal Patel, Deepak Chahar, Arshdeep Singh
South Africa Playing XI: Quinton de Kock(w), Temba Bavuma(c), Rilee Rossouw, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Wayne Parnell, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi
