The fifth and final match of the five-match T20 series between India and South Africa will be played in Ahmedabad on Friday. The Indian team currently leads the series 2-1. India has a good opportunity to win the T20 series after already winning the ODI series. The fourth match between India and South Africa, scheduled to be played in Lucknow, was canceled due to fog.
Captain Suryakumar's form is a cause for concern.
It is certain that India cannot lose this series now, which should be a relief for head coach Gautam Gambhir, as the team's captain, Suryakumar Yadav, has been struggling to score runs lately. Suryakumar, who was the world's number one T20 player until recently, is the biggest concern for India. He has not scored a single half-century in 18 innings across 20 matches this year in T20s. During this period, he scored 213 runs at an average of 14.20.
Gill's participation is doubtful.
On the other hand, vice-captain Shubman Gill was injured during practice in the last match, making his participation in the final match doubtful. The Indian team will not want to take any risks, as they have a good option in Sanju Samson in the top order. Samson has never been a suitable option for batting lower down the order. He has performed well as an opener, but has not been able to deliver the expected performance in the middle order. Apart from this, the Indian team looks balanced as both all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube have been included in the playing XI in all three matches played so far.
Will Harshit get a chance?
In the fast bowling attack, Arshdeep Singh is finding his rhythm, while Harshit Rana has also performed well. Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah, who missed the third T20 International due to personal reasons, has rejoined the team before the fourth match. It will be interesting to see whether Harshit gets a chance in the playing XI after Bumrah's return. The Ahmedabad pitch is considered batting-friendly, which will pose a challenge for Varun Chakravarthy, India's best bowler in this series.
The probable playing XIs for both teams in this match are as follows...
India: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy.
South Africa: Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper), Aiden Markram (captain), Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Lungi Ngidi, Ottniel Baartman.
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