The second-tier Indian team would look for some stability in the openers as the hosts aim to rise above their weight and seal a memorable series win against South Africa in the third and final ODI in New Delhi on Tuesday. After narrowly going down in the series opener, the power of the Indian white ball depth was fully apparent as the hosts won the second ODI comfortably to tie the three-game series 1-1. But the Indian think tank would be a little concerned about the opening pair of Captain Shikhar Dhawan and young Shubhman Gill.
Both batters have had a hard time in the series so far.
One of India’s most consistent ODI batters in the past two years, Dhawan, who is now limited to playing only the 50-over format, has scored just 17 runs in the series.
The veteran batter hopes to give a better start to the Indian innings in the decider with his eyes set on next year’s ODI World Cup.
Gill, on the other hand, has also been riotous in taking his chances at the top. After being ejected cheaply in the opener, he got a good start in the second ODI, but was unable to convert it into a big score.
The middle class consisting of Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan and Vice Captain Sanju Samson is solid.
While Iyer and Samson have been consistent, Kishan has seemed imperious and all three will be happy to continue their good form as the Indian team management continues to audition for players for the ODI World Cup.
In the bowling department, Mohammad Siraj, who has been touted as a possible replacement for the injured Jasprit Bumrah in the T20 World Cup squad, has made a strong case for himself.
Spinners Shahbaz Ahmed and Ravi Bishnoi have also had good debuts.
While the stakes aren’t too high for the Indians, it will be a tough test against a full-strength South African squad, who would be hungry for ICC Cricket World Cup Super League points.
The 11th-placed Proteas risk missing out on direct entry to next year’s 50-over World Cup.
Temba Bavuma, who has been woefully out of shape since returning from injury, rested in the second ODI as he was unwell and it remains to be seen if the skipper returns for the decider.
Stand-in skipper Keshav Maharaj erred in making the right decision after the coin tipped in his favor in the second ODI as South African bowlers felt helpless against the dew but are expected to make it into the final of the series will come in full force.
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Their batter has also done well and it’s up to Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram and David Miller to act with the willow.
Rain could be a bummer. The capital has witnessed heavy rains in the past three days and there is also a chance of scattered thunderstorms on Tuesday.
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