IND vs SA 3rd T20I: India were forced into key changes for the third T20I against South Africa at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala, with Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel both missing from the playing XI.
The absences of two senior players immediately drew attention as the hosts looked to gain an advantage in the closely fought series.
Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav provided clarity at the toss after choosing to bowl first, confirming that neither decision was tactical. According to the skipper, Axar Patel was ruled out after falling unwell, while Bumrah was unavailable due to personal reasons back home. As a result, India had to reshuffle both their pace and spin departments for the crucial encounter.
Kuldeep Yadav was
brought into the side as Axar's replacement, with the left-arm wrist-spinner returning to the XI on his birthday. His inclusion adds variety to India's spin attack, especially on a Dharamsala surface that often offers bounce and assistance as the game progresses. Meanwhile, Delhi fast bowler Harshit Rana was handed an opportunity in place of Bumrah, marking a significant moment for the young pacer at the international level.
Bumrah's absence is notable given his impact earlier in the series. While he went wicketless in the second T20I at Mullanpur on December 11, he had made a solid start in the series opener at Cuttack, where he claimed two wickets. Axar, on the other hand, has been a reliable all-round option, contributing with both bat and ball in the shortest format.
South Africa, too, opted for changes to their lineup for the third T20I. Tristan Stubbs, Corbin Bosch and Anrich Nortje were drafted into the playing XI, replacing Lutho Sipamla, David Miller and George Linde. The visitors' changes reflect a shift in strategy as they look to counter Indian conditions and maintain momentum in the series.
With both sides making multiple adjustments, the third T20I in Dharamsala promises an intriguing contest. India will hope their replacements rise to the occasion, while South Africa aim to capitalise on the absence of two of the hosts' key players.
