India lost to South Africa in the second T20I encounter© AFP
Former Indian cricket team batsman Robin Uthappa believes Ramandeep Singh should be given a chance in the third T20I match against South Africa. India's batters struggled mightily as the Suryakumar Yadav-led side suffered a heavy defeat in the second T20I match on Sunday. A glaring problem with the side on Sunday was the lower order batting and Uthappa said that Ramandeep can add a lot of solidity at number 8. During a discussion on JioCinema, Uthappa pointed out that Ramandeep should get his debut on Wednesday as he can also lead the team offering a decent bowling option.
“You need an all-rounder there (at number 8), I think. You need someone who can bat and bowl. Whether that's a spinner or a fast bowler, other than Hardik Pandya I mean. It's what can fill that they don't have a hole at the moment, but they have Ramandep on the wings, and that's why I say let him play,” Uthappa said.
Going into the match, Varun Chakravarthy's magical guile towards a first five remained just a footnote as South Africa rode on Tristan Stubbs' stubbornness to complete a three-wicket win over India in a low-scoring second T20I.
The four-match series is now tied at 1-1. But SA's victory, which also ended India's 11-match winning streak, did not come without drama.
The first hint of a topsy-turvy evening came when India limped to 124 for six on a quick, bouncy delivery after receiving the invitation to bat first.
The Proteas were at 66 for six and 86 for seven at one point, eventually settling at 128 for seven, as Chakravarthy continued his international revival with a five-wicket haul (5/17).
But SA found two brave soldiers in the determined Stubbs (47 not out, 41b, 7×4) and the aggressive Gerald Coetzee (19 not out, 9b, 2×4, 1×6) who added a precious 42 runs for the eighth wicket alliance to take their side past the to feed. band.
(With PTI inputs)
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