Is Avesh Khan playing today’s SA vs IND 2024 3rd T20I match?
India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav revealed that they have made one change for their upcoming match against South Africa during the toss at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Wednesday. Notably, Avesh Khan missed the third T20I as India handed Ramandeep Singh his debut cap.
Avesh was a part of India’s playing XI in the first two games of the four-match T20I series, but couldn’t impress as much as other bowlers. After registering figures of 2/28 in 2.5 overs in the first T20I, the 27-year-old conceded 23 runs in three overs in the second game without picking up a single wicket.
The wicket at the SuperSport Park is expected to be faster in comparison to the previous two venues in Durban and Gqeberha. Given the conditions, Ramandeep is expected to come in handy for the Indian side and will look to contribute both with the bat and ball, donning the all-rounder’s cap.
Speaking of the decision, Suryakumar Yadav said that the team had to take a risk with their bowling unit by benching Avesh Khan and getting Ramandeep Singh into the side.
“One of the two bowlers had to make a sacrifice” – Suryakumar Yadav on the think tank’s decision to rest Avesh Khan
India skipper Suryakumar Yadav lost the toss for a third time in a row this series. However, he was happy to lose this time as he said that the team was looking to bat first. He also expressed pride in the way his team has performed so far and was confident of the Men in Blue doing well going forward.
When asked about the changes made to India’s XI, he said that to bring in Ramandeep Singh, one of the bowlers had to “sacrifice” their spot.
Speaking at the toss, Suryakumar Yadav said:
“We have one change - Ramandeep makes his debut. Avesh has done well for us but one of the two bowlers had to make a sacrifice.”
While India won the series opener, South Africa bounced back in style to level the series by winning the second T20I. Speaking about the contrasting results of the two games, Suryakumar said:
“It is okay. We have done well in the last two games while batting first. The boys have come out with clear plans and are executing it, I have been really happy with that. Just be clear, go out and enjoy yourself (the message from him and the management). These boys have made my job easier.”
The Men in Blue will look to bounce back tonight and take an unassailable lead in the four-match series.