Following a rained-out opener and a quickfire chase by the Proteas in the second match of the India versus South Africa T20 series, India faces the pressure of preventing only their second series defeat in the format to South Africa. After being unable to defend 152 runs in a reduced 15-over affair—a total that appeared formidable at a venue traditionally favoring bowlers—India has critical decisions to make ahead of the series decider on Thursday.
The deprivation of victory in Gqeberha rendered India sardinic in the face of an energetic South African squad adept at executing such chases. It was a match where the bowlers, particularly the quicks, were put to the sword, leaving the Indian camp grappling with the choice of the right playing XI to strike back with gusto.
Shubman Gill, who has been groomed as an all-format opener, is set to retain his opening slot alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, especially in light of Ruturaj Gaikwad’s unavailability due to illness. Being relatively inexperienced with T20Is, Gill views the ongoing series and the ensuing matches in India as critical, with the next T20 World Cup around the corner. Having a pool of openers that includes ODI and Test captain Rohit Sharma—who’s been absent from the T20 scene since the previous global showdown—the team has the luxury but also the dilemma of choice.
One crucial aspect that needs immediate attention is the bowling attack, which the Proteas successfully took apart. After Arshdeep Singh and Mukesh Kumar’s expensive spells, the Indian management might opt for Deepak Chahar’s return. Chahar brings to the fold his ability to swing the ball prodigiously, a skill that could be vital in dismissing top-order batsmen early in the innings. While Mukesh’s inclusion appears tenuous, Arshdeep’s left-arm angle and impressive record since his debut might tip the scales in his favor for retention.
Then comes the conundrum of spin selection. Ravi Bishnoi, despite his stellar performances against Australia, which earmarked him as the no. 1 T20 bowler by the ICC, was conspicuously left out for Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja, who both are returning from a hiatus post the ODI World Cup. With the World Cup drawing nearer, the strategic exclusion of a leg-spinner of Bishnoi’s caliber seems confusing if India wishes to have such an option in their squad. With only a handful of T20Is remaining before the tournament, each selection becomes increasingly consequential.
South Africa, despite seizing the chase and the series lead, are compelled to make adjustments. With Test preparations refraining Gerald Coetzee and Marco Jansen from partaking, the Proteas have to look to their bench strength. Spin options could see Keshav Maharaj stepping in, while the pace department might ponder including either left-arm pacer Nandre Burger or Ottniel Baartman.
In anticipation of the third T20I on December 14, the predicted playing XI for India includes Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Deepak Chahar, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, and Mohammed Siraj. South Africa might field Matthew Breetzke, Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram (captain), Heinrich Klaasen (wicketkeeper), David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Keshav Maharaj, Andile Phehlukwayo, Nandre Burger, Lizaad Williams, and Tabraiz Shamsi.
The stage is set for the final game of the series as the Men in Blue look to salvage their pride and level the playing field, while the Proteas aim to secure a series victory on Indian soil. With the stakes at their highest, Thursday’s showdown promises to be a gripping encounter between two formidable cricketing nations.