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Doug Ford, the leader of the Canadian province of Ontario, has been criticised for his government's purchase of a pre-owned C$28.9m ($21m; £15.5m) private jet, with opposition leaders calling it a "gravy plane". News of the purchase was first reported by the Toronto Star newspaper on Friday and
There is a painting near the entrance of Staged Realities that stopped visitors cold on opening night. A man on a bicycle loaded with a miscellany of wares — a monkey, a lantern, a parrot, a bunch of bananas — looks out of the canvas with the frank
IND vs SA 1st T20I Playing XI: Hardik or Harshit, Sanju vs Jitesh, who gets the final berth? Key players to watch and predictions
India vs South Africa 1st T20I Playing 11 Prediction: Indian team's strength has got a booster with return of key players. With the batting order, wicket-keeping role, and bowling combinations all under review, the management will use this series as a test run to lock its T20 blueprint before shifting full focus to the global event.
IND vs SA 1st T20I Playing XI: India step into the five-match T20I series against South Africa with a full-strength squad, a busy selection room, and more questions than answers. The return of key senior players has strengthened the side but also created a tricky selection puzzle for the team management, which is racing to finalise its core group before the T20 World Cup 2026. The biggest talking point remains the opening combination, where Shubman Gill, fit again, is likely to edge Sanju Samson for the second slot alongside Abhishek Sharma.
Gill-Abhishek at the top
Gill is seen as the preferred anchor, while Abhishek Sharma is backed to maintain a high strike rate. Samson, a natural opener, will have to adjust to a middle-order role if selected.Also Read: IND vs SA Live Streaming, 1st T20I: When and where to watch the first T20 match free in India
Middle-order set, but keeper slot heating up
Suryakumar Yadav remains locked at number three. Tilak Varma is the first pick at number four, giving India a left-hand option in the middle overs.The wicket-keeper debate, however, is far from settled. The Jitesh Sharma vs Sanju Samson contest is likely to be one of the closest calls. Jitesh is seen as the more reliable finisher at number six.
Hardik Pandya back at full strength, rebalances India instantly
Hardik Pandya's return is the biggest boost for India. His presence solves the long-standing balance issue, allowing India to play an extra spinner or seamer without weakening the batting. Hardik is expected to slot in at number five and bowl a full set of four overs. He will be followed by Axar Patel, who brings tight spin and depth at number seven. As of now, Shivam Dube is not a guaranteed pick.Bumrah leads the attack, spin duo likely to pair again
Jasprit Bumrah once again leads India's bowling group, offering control and a strong finish at the death. He is likely to pair with Arshdeep Singh, who has been consistent with the new ball. If Harshit Rana finds a place, fitting both him and Arshdeep in the XI will be difficult.In the spin department, Kuldeep Yadav keeps his automatic entry as India's strike bowler. Varun Chakravarthy is likely to partner him as the mystery option, giving the attack a left-right wrist-spin mix.
South Africa bring back experience with Markram, Miller and Hendricks
Aiden Markram leads the Proteas, who welcome back key T20 names such as David Miller and Reeza Hendricks. Their return adds experience to a squad that already includes fresh hitters like Tristan Stubbs and Dewald Brevis.IND vs SA 1st T20I Playing XI: Predicted XIs for 1st T20I
India:Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill (vc), Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wk), Hardik Pandya, Harshit Rana/Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy.
South Africa:
Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock / Donovan Ferreira (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Dewald Brevis, Corbin Bosch, Marco Jansen, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Keshav Maharaj.
IND vs SA 1st T20I Playing XI: Key players to look out for
Fans will keep an eye on India's attacking top-order batters and South Africa's pace-heavy bowling unit. Suryakumar Yadav will aim to continue his T20 form, while Shubman Gill looks to make a notable return. South Africa will rely on Marco Jansen's all-round ability and Tristan Stubbs' striking power in the middle order.Both squads carry a mix of experience and young energy, setting up an engaging contest for those tuning in live.
Full squads
India:Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill (vc), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar.
South Africa:
Aiden Markram (c), Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Reeza Hendricks, David Miller, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Marco Jansen, Quinton de Kock (wk), Donovan Ferreira (wk), Tristan Stubbs, Ottneil Baartman, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje.
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Source: EconomicTimes
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