Umran Malik, Arshdeep Singh earns maiden call-up. Dinesh Karthik returns

BCCI has named their Paytm T20I squad to face South Africa for the upcoming five-match T20I home series, the All-India Senior Selection Committee has picked an 18-member team.

Pace Sensation Umran Malik and Death Over Specialist Arshdeep Singh has earned the maiden call-up to the international squad. SRH's retain Star Malik has enjoyed a spectacular season, taking 21 wickets in 13 matches and regularly clocking the speeds of over 150 kmph. Arshdeep Singh on other hand has cemented his reputation as a death bowler for Punjab Kings and took ten wickets this season.

KL Rahul has been appointed captain for the T20I series against South Africa, despite several senior players missing the T20Is as they prepare for the fifth Test against England at Edgbaston. Shikhar Dhawan, who led India in a similar scenario last year with senior players absent for the Sri Lanka tour.

India's T20I squad: KL Rahul (c), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, Dinesh Karthik (wk) , Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (vc, wk), , Hardik Pandya, Venkatesh Iyer, Harshal Patel, Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik, Deepak Hooda

Hardik Pandya and Dinesh Karthik are 2 major notable returns to the T20I team. Many questions about Hardik Pandya's ability to maintain his health and bowl for the national team have been answered during the recent IPL, He bowled for the Gujarat Titans, including in the powerplay. With a batting strike rate of 191.33 this season, Dinesh Karthik has been a stunner as a finisher for Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson misses out, He might considered for next series. Scoring 374 runs in 14 matches with a strike rate of 147.24 this season and good captaincy skills helps Rajasthan Royals to qualify for the Play-offs this season. Hard Luck for him.

Injured Surya Kumar Yadav and Deepak Chahar unavailable for the selection.