IND vs SA 2025: Sanjay Bangar predicts India's playing XI for Cuttack T20I, picks Jitesh Sharma ahead of Sanju Samson

Published - 09 Dec 2025, 15:11 IST | Updated - 09 Dec 2025, 15:11 IST

Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar feels that Arshdeep Singh and Sanju Samson might not be picked to play the first T20I against South Africa, which will be held at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on Tuesday, December 9.

According to Bangar, Arshdeep will only be picked in the playing XI if Jasprit Bumrah isn't available. Meanwhile, the ex-India all-rounder backed Jitesh Sharma to don the wicketkeeping gloves, as the Men in Blue have a strong middle order, and the Baroda cricketer is more suited to batting at No. 7.

"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," the former India all-rounder said during an interaction on the Star Sports show, 'Follow the Blues'.

"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," Bangar added.

Bangar picked Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill to open the batting, with Tilak Varma stepping in at No. 3. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav, the fit-again Hardik Pandya, and Shivam Dube will form the middle order. Jitesh and Axar Patel will play the finisher's role, while Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy will be the specialist spinners in the side. Bangar named Bumrah as the lone frontline pacer on his side.

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Sanjay Bangar's predicted India XI for first T20I vs South Africa: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah.