The third and the final T20I of the series between India and South Arica will be played in Bangalore tomorrow. With a win in the second T20I, India have gained a lead in the series and a win in the third T20I will see the hosts pocket the series. On the other hand, South Africa have a tough task to defeat India in the decider to equal the series.
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Going into the final T20I, India are the favourites to win the match and seal the series. but will India tinker with the winning combination to give every player a chance? Here’s a look at likely playing XI of India for the final T20I –
Openers –
It is unlikely that KL Rahul would be brought in place of any of the openers, which means that Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan will start the proceedings with the bat. Dhawan played his part in the chase with 40 off 31. Rohit was dismissed for 12 but is expected to do well in Bangalore.
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Middle-order
Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant will bat in the middle-order to provide stability to the team. The focus will again be on Rishabh, who got dismissed playing a loose shot in the second T20I in Mohali. Iyer, who was preferred over Manish Pandey, finished the game with his 16*. Kohli came up with the man of the match performance by scoring 72* off 52.
All-rounders –
Pandya brothers, Hardik and Krunal, are automatic selections in the team along with Ravindra Jadeja. The trio has a strong chance to keep its place going into T20 World Cup. Hardik is a confirmed selection going ahead while Krunal and Jadeja will face competition from others.
Spin –
Rahul Chahar is expected to replace Washington Sundar in the playing XI. Sundar bowled well in the first T20I but Rahul is expected to get a chance in the final T20I to ensure that he gets a match. The first washed out T20I already meant that both the teams could not tinker much with their playing XI.
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Pacers-
Deepak Chahar will again be joined by Navdeep Saini for the pace bowling duties. Early in the innings, Chahar swung the ball and also got two wickets in the match. Saini was entrusted with the job to bowl death overs and he did his task well giving 20 runs in two over that he bowled there.