Xtra Time Web Desk : Team India on Wednesday are about to step into a new era under stand in skipper KL Rahul, as they gear up for the first ODI against Proteas. This would be the first time in 5 years where Virat Kohli would play only as a batter and not as a skipper. And this is how India could line up in the series opener :
Top Order : As said by KL Rahul in the pre match presser on Tuesday, he will bat at the top of the order alongside Shikhar Dhawan who is all set to open the innings with the skipper. The No 3 position would be held as usual by Virat Kohli as he would look to score that elusive 71st international century.
Middle Order : Mumbai batter Shreyas Iyer would be back in the side at 4 after sitting out of the team in the Test Series. Rishabh Pant would then walk into the team as a wicketkeeper-batter alongside Suryakumar Yadav who is expected to start except the team decides to go with six bowlers. KKR southpaw Venkatesh Iyer is also all set to make his ODI debut at number 7 playing the all rounder’s role.
Lower Order/Bowlers : Pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar is all set to return to the side alongside Ravichandran Ashwin, who is also expected to back in the ODI side after quite a long time. Vice Captain Jasprit Bumrah will also feature as he would spearhead the pace attack. Spinner Yuzvendra Chahal would also likely play as the second spinner, with the third pace option being a toss up between Shardul Thakur & Mohammed Siraj.
Team India probable Starting XI : KL Rahul (C), Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Venkatesh Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav/Shardul Thakur, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yuzvendra Chahal, Mohammed Siraj/Shardul Thakur