India VS South Africa: The third T20I, Why rotation for players finding their form?
After sealing the series win by 2-0 against South Africa in Guwahati, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli have been rested for the third T20I to be held on Tuesday in Indore
Rishabh Pant wait for Play time might be over“Yes, both Virat and Rahul have been rested from the final T20I,” said a BCCI official.
Virat Kohli and KL Rahul put forward a solid performance against South Africa in the second T20I. KL Rahul won the Player of the Match for his 28-ball 57, whereas Virat Kohli scored 28-ball 49* as India posted its fourth highest target of 237 on the scoreboard.
KL Rahul has been the second-highest run-scorer in the ongoing series, having smashed 108 runs in two matches. Both batters have been under the radar for quite a long time. While KL Rahul was being criticised for his low strike rate, Virat Kohli’s form and approach showed worry for team India.
And just when both of them looked to be in the form and settled on the crease, management decided to give them rest in the third T20I. Injury fears and mental health breaks have become frequent and prominent reasons for India to adopt a rotation policy, even for players finding forms. Consistency in the team is expected but not at the cost of players’ health.
Who will replace KL Rahul and Virat in the third T20I against South Africa?
Shreyas Iyer at number three
As Virat Kohli is rested before the team departs for Australia on 6 October, this could mean an opportunity for Shreyas Iyer to be included in the playing XI. Shreyas Iyer was called in as the replacement for Deepak Hooda, who got injured in the practice session and is likely to take in place of Virat Kohli at number three.
Rishabh Pant as an opener in place of KL Rahul
Suryakumar Yadav or Rishabh Pant are two options that can open alongside Rohit Sharma in the third T20I in place of KL Rahul. Rishabh Pant is yet to bat in the series despite being included in playing XI and will be looking forward to opening if he gets a chance. This will give him and the team another opportunity to test him for the format.
Possible inclusion of Mohammed Siraj or Shahbaz Ahmed in place of Harshal Patel
In the absence of a reserve batter, another possible inclusion could be the debut of batting all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed or one of Mohammed Siraj or Umesh Yadav. India will be eager to test Mohammed Siraj in the format called in as a replacement to Jasprit Bumrah against South Africa.
It may be an inconsequential match on paper, but the Indian bowlers will still be under the scanner and tested against South Africa ahead of the T20 World Cup.
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