Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has shared his playing eleven for Team India ahead of the first ODI against South Africa in Paarl. India and South Africa will play three ODI matches, starting on Wednesday (January 19).

Manjrekar, speaking on ESPNCricinfo, suggested India open with the all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer along with stand-in skipper KL Rahul, and added that the team could rest veteran opener, Shikhar Dhawan, for the first match.  

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“My main obsession was fitting in the sixth-bowling option and that's where Venkatesh Iyer comes into my plan. And if he is in the team you might as well open with him because there is something special about him when he opens the innings. Just to put pressure on the opposition. You can rest Shikhar Dhawan for maybe this match. So Iyer and Rahul open,” he said. 

The 56-year-old named Virat Kohli for the number three batting spot, followed by Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, and wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant. The three pacers he picked are Shardul Thakur, who could contribute with the bat as well, Deepak Chahar, and fast-bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.

India has included R Ashwin in the ODI squad after a long time, but Manjrekar is backing Jayant Yadav to be in the playing eleven, along with another spinner, Yuzvendra Chahal.

Manjrekar's predicted XI for Paarl opener: V Iyer, KL Rahul (c), Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (wk), Jayant Yadav, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah.

(With ESPNCricinfo Inputs)