The thrill of the T20I series between India and South Africa continues. Two matches have been played in the five-match series but the Indian players and supporters have not got a chance to celebrate the victory yet.
In both the matches, the South African team proved to be better than the Indian team and as because of this, the Proteas team is ahead 2-0 in the series. Team India to play the next match of the series on 14 June in Visakhapatnam. This match is do or die for Men in Blue.
If they lose the match, then the host team will also lose the series. Looking at the first two matches, Team India looked behind in many departments. Didn’t get a good start in the opening as well. At the same time, the spinners were unable to take wickets in the middle overs. In such a situation, the Indian team can consider some changes for the next match. In this article, we are going to mention 3 players who can be included in the playing XI as a replacement.
Venkatesh Iyer
Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad got a chance to open in the first two matches after KL Rahul’s exit from the Indian squad due to injury. In both the matches, Ruturaj looked uncomfortable. There was a lack of confidence in his shots against the fast bowlers.
In the first match he scored 23 runs, while in the second match he could score only 1 run. Even before the number of matches he has played, his performance was not been anything special. Because of this, the Indian team can give a chance to KKR opener Venkatesh Iyer sitting on the bench. Iyer was also not able to do well this season of IPL but he had indicated a return to form in the last league matches. In such a situation, giving Iyer a chance would not be a bad option. However, the only problem in that is that it will form a opening pair of both left-hand batsman.
Umran Malik
The Indian team can play fast bowler Umran Malik in the playing XI in place of Axar Patel as another change. Axar Patel’s performance as an all-rounder has not been anything special. His bowling in IPL too this season was not been impressive.
At the same time, the spin bowlers have not looked impressive in the first two matches of the series. In such a situation, Umran, who bowls at a serious pace, can be given a chance. Umran can prove to be impressive against the batsmen with his extra pace.
Arshdeep Singh
India has played all right-arm fast bowlers in both the matches so far. Avesh Khan is one of the fast bowlers. Avesh has bowled economical in both the opening matches.
However, as a change and for variety, he can be replaced by Arshdeep Singh, a young left-armer who bowled brilliantly for Punjab Kings in IPL 2022. Arshdeep Singh has a knack for keeping the batsmen silent in the middle overs and death overs which other Indian bowlers have not been able to do in this series. In such a situation, India can make the bowling attack more effective by giving Arshdeep a chance.
