India's Predicted Playing XI vs South Africa | T20 World Cup 2024 Final

With a resounding 68-run win over England, Team India (IND) has once again ensured their presence in an ICC tournament final. The Men in Blue are set to take on South Africa (SA) in the high-intensity summit clash of the T20 World Cup 2024 on Saturday, June 29 at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados. 

India has dominated the tournament so far as they are yet to lose a match. Their rivals South Africa also similarly entered the finals, so expect a blockbuster clash. Aiden Markram and Co. thrashed Afghanistan by nine wickets to play their first-ever World Cup final. 

With Rohit Sharma leading the way, their batting unit strengthened as the tournament entered its business end. Spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah, their bowling attack looks solid with the presence of Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel. However, the struggling form of Virat Kohli and Shivam Dube continues to be a headache for the team. Will India go with the winning combination or make some changes to their XI? 

Also Check: India vs South Africa: T20 World Cup Head-to-Head Records and Stats

Here is India's predicted playing XI for the final clash against South Africa: 

Openers: Rohit Sharma (c), Virat Kohli

Rohit Sharma is currently the third-highest run-scorer in the tournament with 248 runs at an average of 41.33 and an impressive strike rate of 155.97. The veteran opener slammed back-to-back half-centuries in the last two matches - 92 off just 41 balls against Australia and 57 off 39 against England in the semi-final.

Meanwhile, India's opening combination has yet to find success as Virat Kohli is going through a lean patch. Including two ducks, Kohli bagged a series of low scores in the tournament. He was dismissed for just nine runs in the last match against England.

Middle-order: Rishabh Pant (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube

Rishabh Pant performed admirably while batting at No. 3 position. He is currently the third-highest run-getter for India with 171 runs at an average of 28.50. However, in the last two matches, the southpaw hasn't been able to shine, which has been a mild concern for the management.

Suryakumar Yadav has been able to fill the void of Pant's performance in the last two matches. With the scores of 31 off 16 balls (against Australia) and 47 off 36 balls (against England), Suryakumar managed to play a saviour innings in the middle order. The right-hander has scored 196 runs in seven matches at an average of 32.67 and a strike rate of 137.06.

Shivam Dube was dismissed for a golden duck in the semi-final against England. Barring a couple of handy knocks, the left-hander hasn’t been able to live up to expectations. However, the management is likely to stick with the same playing eleven as the team continues its winning streak.

All-rounder: Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel

Hardik Pandya is continuing to prove that he is a big-match player. The star all-rounder may have failed to perform well in the IPL 2024, but he is at his best in the World Cup. Pandya has been making crucial contributions in both departments, the latest coming in the previous match against England, in which he slammed 23 off just 13 balls.

Ravindra Jadeja’s performance so far in the tournament has been miles away from decent. The veteran all-rounder hasn’t made any significant impact with bat and bowl. On the other hand, Axar Patel has been brilliant for the team. Notably, the left-arm orthodox bowler was adjudged Player of the Match in the semi-final for his three-wicket haul.

Also Check: India vs South Africa Dream11 Prediction, Final

Bowlers: Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah

Kuldeep Yadav didn't play a single game in the group stage, but what a campaign he is having in the remainder of the series. The left-arm wrist spinner has picked up 10 wickets in just four matches, including a three-fer against England in the last game.

Arshdeep Singh may have leaked a bit of extra runs, but the left-arm pacer is helping the team with his wicket-taking ability. He is currently the second-leading wicket-taker with 15 scalps. Jasprit Bumrah is Team India's trump card and a strong contender to win the Player of the Tournament award. The right-arm pacer has taken 13 wickets in seven matches at an economy of just 4.13.

India’s Predicted XI vs South Africa:

Rohit Sharma (c), Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah