India, Dec. 9 -- India and South Africa walk out in Cuttack tonight with more at stake than a routine five-match T20I series. For Suryakumar Yadav's side, this is effectively the first dress rehearsal for the next T20 World Cup.

With Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma pencilled at the top, India's focus shifts to three puzzles: the keeper-batter slot, the no.4-7 engine room, and the attack that will support Jasprit Bumrah.

The first decision is behind the stumps. Sanju Samson and Jitesh Sharma offer India two contracting templates.

Samson is a more classical batter capable of batting anywhere from 3 to 6, especially dangerous against spin. Jitesh is a specialist finisher for overs 15-20, with the range to ramp, lap, and clear both sides ...