After the disappointment in Lucknow, India and South Africa arrive in Ahmedabad for the series decider on Friday. India lead the series 2-1, and after the 4th T20I was called off due to excessive fog, the lead becomes unassailable. However, the hosts won’t want to lose momentum before facing South Africa for the last time this year.
With every passing match, India are getting closer to the T20 World Cup, scheduled to be played in February & March at home. The countdown has begun as the men in blue are left with just 6 matches before they begin their title defence.
The Ahmedabad T20I throws a new challenge for India altogether. Vice-captain Shubman Gill has reportedly injured his foot and most likely will not take the field on Friday. Though he has travelled
to Ahmedabad with the rest of the team but question looms over participation.
With no backup opener in the squad, there’s a possibility that Sanju Samson may return to the playing XI to replace Gill for the fifth T20I. Abhishek Sharma shall accompany him at the top of the order.
Number three belongs to Suryakumar Yadav. The Indian captain has stated that he isn’t out of form but is out of runs. So, hopefully, this final game will be another opportunity for him to regain his lost mojo.
Tilak Varma has stamped his authority at number 4, and the more he plays at this position, the more he gets sharper and confident. The next three positions will be bagged by the likes of Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya and Jitesh Sharma, unarguably. Thus, India don’t have to compromise with their batting depth even if there is no Gill in the mix.
Kuldeep and Varun Chakravarthy will share the spin bowling responsibility. If the team management wants, it may rest Jasprit Bumrah for the final game to manage his workload. In his absence, Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh can take care of the fast bowling, as they did in Dharamsala.
India’s Predicted XI for 5th T20I vs South Africa:
Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Jitesh Sharma, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh
