Three-match One Day International series between India And South Africa It has been a high-octane spectacle, setting the stage for a captivating finale in Visakhapatnam. India batted for the first time in the series opener in Ranchi and scored a huge score with the help of a maiden century. Virat KohliThe Proteas successfully defended the score despite a strong lower-order fightback.
However, South Africa made a strong comeback chasing India’s mammoth score of 359 thanks to a sensational century from their captain in the second ODI in Raipur. aiden markramWho skillfully conducted a flawless chase under the obstruction of light and heavy dew. This result has leveled the series at 1-1, turning the final encounter into a crucial, winner-takes-all contest, where team selection and tactical flexibility will be paramount in determining which side will lift the coveted series trophy.
IND vs SA, 3rd ODI: Will Prasidh Krishna be dropped for the decider?
Young fast bowler’s condition after two consecutive expensive matches in the series Prasidh Krishna The Indian playing XI is under a lot of pressure for the final ODI and there are strong indications that they will be dropped. His performance in the second match was particularly worrying, where he had an economy rate of over 10 runs per over in 8.2 overs, conceding 85 runs, while South Africa easily chased down the challenging target of 359 runs.
Although he managed to take a few wickets, his struggles with consistency in line and length during the middle and death overs allowed the South African batsmen to effectively manage the required run rate. The need for a more controlled and economical option, especially given the inevitable dew factor in a coastal venue like Visakhapatnam, makes his exclusion the most logical and anticipated change by the team management. His inconsistent form in the 50-over format, especially in home conditions, has made him a vulnerable target, and the team will now look for a replacement who offers more balance and reliability.
IND vs SA, 3rd ODI: Nitish Kumar Reddy’s possible entry into the Indian line-up
The possible replacement for the much criticized Prasidh Krishna is the young all-rounder from Andhra Pradesh. Nitish Kumar ReddyA move that would fundamentally change the composition of the team by significantly strengthening both the batting and bowling capabilities. Reddy is a seam-bowling all-rounder who bats aggressively in the middle order, providing the perfect solution to the dual problem of an expensive third seamer and a sometimes weak lower middle order.
His inclusion will give India an effectively three-pronged pace attack Arshdeep Singh And Harshit Rana And an important sixth bowling option, which eases the pressure on the frontline bowlers. Furthermore, his batting strength allows the team to play five specialist bowlers without compromising on batting depth, an essential factor in high-scoring ODI contests. Team management, led by KL RahulIn this high-stakes decider, he will look to his dual skills of adding both ball control and much-needed finishing impetus with the bat, strengthening the team’s balance in a way that a specialist bowler cannot.
Also read: Top 5 Highest ODI Run Chases in South Africa by India
Other expected changes in India’s playing eleven for the third ODI against South Africa
Apart from the possible change in the pace attack, the Indian team is also expected to make a significant adjustment in the batting order, which could include the inclusion of an experienced left-handed batsman. Rishabh Pant Come for the off-spinning all-rounder, washington beautifulSundar’s impact in the first two matches has been minimal, bowling a total of seven overs and failing to perform well with the bat, raising questions over his usefulness at number five in a full-strength batting line-up, Bringing in Rishabh Pant will bring much-needed firepower to the middle order, especially given his proven ability to score runs quickly and take on fast bowlers, a skill that could be vital in exploiting the final 15 overs of the innings,
This strategic shift specifically signals India’s intention to prioritize aggressive batting depth over a specialist spinning all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja And -Kuldeep Yadav Already forming a strong spin pair. Pant’s presence at number five will allow KL Rahul to continue his natural game at number six, further strengthening the batting unit.
Another possibility for change, although less likely, is the inclusion of Tilak Verma If India decide not to go with Pant, they have introduced another left-handed option with easy off-spin, but Pant’s experience in pressure games gives him an edge. Ultimately, India will move from a 4-2-1 structure (4 specialist bowlers, 2 all-rounders, 1 part-time) to a more balanced 5-1-1 model (5 specialist bowlers/all-rounders with one multi-utility player), making the XI more dynamic and better suited to the high-scoring Vizag conditions.
India’s probable playing XI for the third ODI against South Africa:
Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tilak Verma/Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh
Also read: Explained: Why Rinku Singh not in India’s T20I squad for South Africa series?
