India vs South Africa, 2018: 3 players who should be given a chance in the remaining ODIs
The Indian cricket team had a poor start to the South African tour as they had lost the first two tests. However, the team made a splendid comeback in the final test of the series and has continued the momentum in the ODIs.
The spin bowlers have spun a web around the South African batsmen, who have been plagued by injuries. India has taken an unassailable 3-0 lead in the six match series and this provides the team with an ideal opportunity to try out players who have been warming the bench.
#3) Mohammed Shami
Mohammed Shami last played an ODI for India in September 2017 and has played in just 3 ODIs since the last World Cup, in 2015. He was the star bowler for the Indian team in the that World Cup. He has slowly regained his fitness since then and is looking good to go now.
Shami's place has been occupied by Bhuvaneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah, as they have been brilliant in his absence. Both Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar have most likely cemented their place for the 2019 World Cup in England. However, there is a room for a third pacer due to the seaming wickets there.
The UP pacer bowled brilliantly in the tests in South Africa. He has an impressive record in ODIs, having picked up 91 wickets in 50 matches at a brilliant average of 26. He has the opportunity to become the fastest bowler to pick up 100 wickets in the history of cricket.
Shami is an important part of India's World Cup 2019 plan and the 3-0 lead in this series has provided Kohli with an ideal opportunity to test his form and fitness levels, in addition to giving rest to his first choice pacers, who have been bowling continuously in all formats of the game.