Sanjay Bangar picks his Indian XI for IND vs SA 2025 1st T20I, chooses Jitesh Sharma ahead of Sanju Samson

Former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar has shared his predictions for the Men in Blue’s playing XI in the upcoming first T20I against South Africa. Bangar has opted for Jitesh Sharma over Sanju Samson as the middle-order wicketkeeper-batter in the team.

The much-anticipated five-match T20I series between India and South Africa is set to kick off in Cuttack on December 9. With Jitesh Sharma and Sanju Samson vying for the wicketkeeper-batter spot in the playing XI, Bangar has made his choice clear.

In a recent discussion on the Star Sports show ‘Follow the Blues,’ Bangar expressed his opinion that if Jasprit Bumrah is fit and available, Arshdeep Singh is unlikely to find a place in the XI. Additionally, Bangar backed Jitesh Sharma over Samson for the middle-order batting role.

Bangar explained, “Unfortunately, there is no place for him (Arshdeep), considering the combination with which the Indian team has been playing till now, and Suryakumar Yadav also said they won’t make too many changes. However, if Jasprit Bumrah isn’t available, Arshdeep will come immediately because he also bowls like that.”

He further added, “You have three bowlers like Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah, who are wicket-takers in any format, and then you have a good restrictive option in Axar Patel. I haven’t given a place to Sanju Samson in the team because the middle order is quite strong, and Jitesh Sharma can give you a good batting option at No. 7, as he has batted a lot at that position.”

While Jitesh Sharma has scored 125 runs at a strike rate of 147.05 in nine T20I innings, Sanju Samson boasts 995 runs at a strike rate of 147.40 in 43 T20I innings, primarily as an opener.

Sanjay Bangar’s chosen Indian XI for the first T20I against South Africa includes Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Jasprit Bumrah.

In another noteworthy observation, Bangar highlighted the significance of Hardik Pandya’s return to the Indian T20I squad. He emphasized that Pandya’s presence as a second seamer allows for the inclusion of three frontline spinners in the playing XI.

Bangar stated, “So, who could be the second fast bowler? It can be Hardik Pandya because this player has that kind of ability. Based on his bowling alone, he can fit into any international team among the top three seamers. For that, him being available and totally fit is excellent news for the Indian team.”

Hardik Pandya has amassed 98 wickets at an economy rate of 8.22 in 108 T20I innings and has also scored 1,860 runs at a strike rate of 141.01 in 94 T20I innings.

With Bangar’s expert analysis and insights, the Indian cricket fans eagerly await the thrilling encounters between India and South Africa in the upcoming T20I series.