The IND vs SA ODI series is on the line. As a result a lot of things are at stake. Heading into the IND vs SA 3rd ODI, India will be looking for quite a few changes in the playing XI. The most notable being Rajat Patidar getting the nod ahead of Tilak Varma for the all important match.
The India Cricket Team began the ODI series in stunning form but then went completely haywire in the next game. The Proteas secured a thumping win over the Men in Blue and will look to carry on their fine momentum in the next match. As for Team India, KL Rahul and Rahul Dravid will have to put on their thing caps and bring out the strongest playing XI.
Tilak Varma Dropped?
One of the biggest disappointments in the India tour of South Africa has been the young southpaw Tilak Varma. Despite getting chances in the matches he has failed to score big runs. In fact in the ODIs and T20Is he has managed to score just 40 runs in 4 games. Now with series on the line, the board might just be tempted to give a chance to Rajat Patidar instead.
Apart from Tilak Varma, Ruturaj Gaikwad has also performed poorly. But the opener will retain his spot as there are no other backup openers in the team. Sanju Samson might have failed with the bat, but he will retain his place given he will be big bonus to the side.
India Playing XI – What to expect?
There will be no change in the openers spot. Sai Sudharsan has been the man of the moment, slamming 2 back to back fifties in both the matches. Ruturaj on the other hand will look to shake off his poor form and get some much needed runs under his belt.
If Tilak Varma gets another chance, then he will occupy number 3. Else, Rajat Patidar can slot in the same role. But under normal circumstances, Patidar will be a good fit down the order and versatile Samson can move up the order.
KL Rahul is fixed at number 4. He will likely take the keeping gloves after giving Samson the chance in the previous match. Patidar occupies number 5 while hard hitting Rinku Singh, who got his ODI debut has his spot fixed as the finisher.
Axar Patel, the able all-rounder slots in at number 7. Kuldeep Yadav vs Yuzvendra Chahal. And the pace trio will continue to comprise of Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan and Mukesh Kumar.
Predicted India Playing XI
- 1. Ruturaj Gaikwad
2. Sai Sudharsan
3. Sanju Samson
4. KL Rahul (C) (WK)
5. Rajat Patidar
6. Rinku Singh
7. Axar Patel
8. Kuldeep Yadav/Yuzvendra Chahal
9. Arshdeep Singh
10. Avesh Khan
11. Mukesh Kumar
India ODI squad: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sai Sudharsan, Tilak Varma, Rajat Patidar, Rinku Singh, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (C)(wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mukesh Kumar, Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Deepak Chahar (Unavailable).
