India's predicted playing XI for the 3rd T20I vs South Africa | November 13, 2024
India will face off against South Africa in the third T20I of the four-match series in Centurion on Wednesday, November 13. The series is currently deadlocked at 1-1.
After the visitors clinched the opening T20I by a significant 61-run margin, the Proteas came roaring back in the second encounter to level the series with a three-wicket win. Both teams have all to play for heading into the final two games of the assignment.
India’s squad for 4 T20Is against South Africa: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ramandeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Avesh Khan, Yash Dayal.
On that note, here is India's predicted playing XI for the third T20I against South Africa.
Openers: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk)
While Sanju Samson has a century and a duck in the series so far, Abhishek Sharma just hasn't fired. The southpaw will need to be at his best against South Africa's fast bowlers, with a bouncy wicket likely to be rolled out in Centurion. Both players will be watched closely on Wednesday.
Middle order: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel
Captain Suryakumar Yadav has looked slightly off-color in the series so far, and his returns in 2024 haven't been at their absolute best. However, he can be backed to come up with a meaningful display in Centurion.
The rest of India's middle order is expected to wear a similar look, despite the presence of names like Jitesh Sharma on the bench. Tilak Varma, Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, and Rinku Singh will need to take the visitors to a big total.
Ramandeep Singh might have to wait a bit longer for his maiden international appearance, although India could use a deeper batting lineup in the third T20I.
Lower order: Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy
Yash Dayal and Vyshak Vijaykumar are waiting for their opportunities on the bench, but it's hard to see how they will fit in. India might go into the third T20I against South Africa without any changes in the bowling department.
Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan will man the pace attack, with Ravi Bishnoi and Varun Chakaravarthy forming a dangerous two-man spin tandem through the middle overs.