After a dominant 101-run victory in the first T20I, India is set to face South Africa in the second match of the five-match series at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh on Thursday. While the Men in Blue were clinical with the ball in the first T20I, defending a score of 175 runs, their batting lineup needs some adjustments. The form of captain Suryakumar Yadav is a concern, and the team will rely on the opening pair of Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill to provide a strong start.

Here's a look at India's predicted playing XI for the 2nd T20I:

1. Abhishek Sharma: Abhishek did not have a great outing in the first match but returns to familiar territory in New Chandigarh. He is expected to continue as opener and will be backed to make a significant contribution.

2. Shubman Gill: Gill loves batting at this venue and will hunger for runs after failing for 4 in the first T20I. The Indian vice-captain, since being brought back into the T20I setup, has had a few starts at the top but has not had a score of substance to show for it.

3. Suryakumar Yadav (Captain): Suryakumar has blown hot and cold in recent games. His form will be a massive worry for India.

4. Tilak Varma: Tilak looked composed in the first match and helped stop the fall of wickets. He is expected to continue batting at number four.

5. Hardik Pandya: The Player of the Match from the series opener enters the 2nd T20I in tremendous rhythm. He played a blistering cameo at the end with the bat in the first T20I and also played a crucial role with the ball later, helping India defend 176 runs.

6. Shivam Dube: Dube is expected to continue in the playing XI.

7. Jitesh Sharma (Wicket-keeper): Jitesh Sharma strengthens his claim as the preferred wicketkeeper.

8. Axar Patel: Axar is expected to be the same as the previous game and will likely be used as a floater if the team loses early wickets.

9. Jasprit Bumrah: Bumrah was on top of his game in the last match and would want to have a good outing in back-to-back matches.

10. Varun Chakaravarthy: Chakaravarthy was on top of his game in the last match and would want to have a good outing in back-to-back matches.

11. Arshdeep Singh: Arshdeep has been consistently taking early wickets for India, and his left arm angle creates problems under lights.

Another Heartbreak For Sanju Samson?

The question on everyone's mind is whether Sanju Samson will finally get a chance in the playing XI. Despite his talent and good performances in domestic cricket and the IPL, he hasn't been able to fully realize his potential on the international stage. In 51 T20I matches, Samson has scored 995 runs with an average of 26. He is known for his aggressive batting style and ability to score quick runs.

However, with Jitesh Sharma seemingly cementing his place as the preferred wicketkeeper and the middle order looking relatively settled, it appears unlikely that Samson will feature in the second T20I. While there's always a possibility of replacing an out-of-form Shubman Gill, the team management might persist with Gill given his potential and vice-captaincy. This could lead to another heartbreak for Sanju Samson, who might have to wait longer for a consistent run in the Indian T20I team.