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Ravi Bishnoi And...? 3 Indian Players Suryakumar Yadav Will Likely Drop For 1st T20I vs South Africa

Debashis Sarangi

India will take on South Africa in 4 T20Is [Source: @karmksanju]India will take on South Africa in 4 T20Is [Source: @karmksanju]

After a disastrous home Test series defeat against New Zealand, India are preparing to face South Africa in a four-match T20I series. Led by Suryakumar Yadav, India have announced a formidable squad for the tour. While Shivam Dube and Riyan Parag have been excluded, several fresh faces, including Ramandeep Singh, have made it into the setup. 

However, considering the visitors have a star-studded squad, the problem of plenty might force them to drop a few notable names from their playing XI. As the stage is set for an epic encounter, let's see which players might not feature in the series opener in Durban. 

Ramandeep Singh

The experienced KKR all-rounder showcased his attributes in the recently concluded Emerging Asia Cup. Apart from scoring brisk runs lower down the order, Ramandeep can chip in with a few overs of medium pace. 

However, considering India have their first-choice all-rounder Hardik Pandya available, Ramandeep's inclusion seems unlikely. He might add dynamism and depth to the Indian batting lineup, but his inclusion might force India to compromise their bowling attack. So, given that Axar Patel can bat as a finisher at seven, India might not consider handing Ramandeep his debut cap. 

Yash Dayal

Yash Dayal's cricketing journey in 2024 has been nothing short of exceptional. The left-arm pacer, who had an impressive red-ball season, can move the new ball up front. He can also be handy with his variations in the slog overs. 

However, given that India have Arshdeep Singh as their frontline pacer, another left-arm seam bowling option is unlikely to feature in the playing XI. Therefore, Yash Dayal might have to sit out, with India preferring Vijaykumar Vyshak as their third seamer. 

Ravi Bishnoi

Ravi Bishnoi lost his place in the Indian T20I side after Varun Chakravarthy's international return. Chakravarthy played a pivotal role in India's emphatic series victory against Bangladesh, scalping five wickets, including a three-wicket haul, at an outstanding economy of 6.08. 

Therefore, considering his recent on-field performances, the mystery spinner might pip Bishnoi and retain his place as India's lead spinner in the South Africa T20Is. The South African pitches will suit his style of bowling, with Axar Patel playing as India's second spinner in the series opener.