IND-SA 3rd T20I: Suryakumar Yadav’s Team India would look to hit the refresh button when they lock horns with South Africa in the third T20 international, after a disappointing show in Mullanpur. India had dominated the first game of the series, but were thoroughly thrashed in the second.
After deciding to bowl, India were set to face the onslaught of Quinton De Kock, who scored a classy 90 to propel South Africa to a daunting 213/4. Although the wicket offered enough to chase, India's batters never seemed to find their groove. A collapse ensued, and the side went on to lose by a margin of 51 runs, with the only redeeming factor being the 62-run score of Tilak Varma.
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Gill’s T20I comeback under scanner
Among the most discussed factors before the third T20 is the form of Shubman Gill. Being back in the team after recovering from a neck injury, Gill has been making little impact in T20s. Gill’s golden duck in the previous match has been an added factor to this discussion.
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India might look to take a chance once again on Sanju Samson to open the innings, at least for a match or two, to see whether he can continue from where he left off in the previous matches. Even though Gill is the vice-captain, he might be given a break as his team might look for a quick fix.
Captain Surya searching for runs
Even the skipper, Suryakumar Yadav, has not been playing his typical fluid game. Not scoring many runs has been affecting India’s rhythm in the middle overs. Barring that, there are no discussions on changing the skipper. The team management is set to back the skipper, expecting him to regain his rhythm with regular playing opportunities.
Bowling changes on the cards
The third T20 international is going to be played at Dharamsala, so the weather is going to be in favor of the fast bowlers. India might make changes in the playing eleven by replacing Shivam Dube with Harshit Rana. Other than that, there are not going to be many changes in the playing 11.
In case Samson is back in the playing eleven as an opener, there might be a slight shuffle in the order-Tilak Varma promoted to No. 3, with Suryakumar Yadav following at No. 4.
All eyes on 3rd T20I
Being as close as they are in the series, the third T20 is an eagerly awaited match for India, who are now faced with the opportunity to overcome their batting problems, while South Africa are set to capitalise on the surge that they experienced in Mullanpur.
India predicted playing 11
Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Hardik Pandya, Jitesh Sharma, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy.