Ireland vs India 2018: India's predicted XI for first T20I

Middle order

Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Dinesh Karthik

CRICKET-RSA-IND-ODI

Skipper Virat Kohli is back to full fitness after suffering a neck injury during the fag end of the IPL. Kohli was initially supposed to take part in the County Championship to prepare himself for the England tour but the injury ruled him out. He also did not play a part in the one-off Test against Afghanistan. However, he has stated that he is 100% fit and raring to go. Kohli is by far the best limited-overs batsman in the world and could put Ireland to the sword if he gets going, especially if he is chasing a total.

This could be Suresh Raina's final chance to cement his place in the Indian side. He has been far too hit and miss even after his return and did not have a great IPL season either with the Chennai Super Kings. Raina generally tends to struggle against the short ball and the Irish will throw plenty of that at him. Will he be able to handle it?

Dines Karthik is one of the most underrated players in the world at present. He hardly ever fails with the bat and is a safe keeper as well. He has developed into a fine finisher as well as was evidenced in the Nidahas Trophy final. Karthik had yet another solid campaign with KKR in the IPL and led the side to the playoffs. The final middle-order spot with be a toss-up between him and Rahul but I expect Karthik to get the nod.