IND vs SA: As the hosts try to punch above their weight and secure a memorable series triumph against South Africa in the third and final ODI on Tuesday in New Delhi, the second-string Indian team will be looking for some solidity from its openers. The might of the Indian white-ball depth was on full show as the hosts easily won the second ODI to tie the three-match series at 1-1 after narrowly losing the series opener. Shikhar Dhawan, the captain, and the young Shubhman Gill in the opening position, though, might cause the Indian think tank some concern.
In the current series, both batters have had trouble.
Dhawan, who has been one of India’s most reliable ODI batsmen over the past two years, is now only allowed to play the 50-over format and has only scored 17 runs in the series.
With his sights set on the ODI World Cup the following year, the seasoned hitter will try to improve the start of the Indian innings in the championship game.
On the other side, Gill has also been wasteful in how he has taken use of his opportunities at the top. He made a strong start in the second ODI after being cheaply removed in the first one, but he was unable to build a significant total.
Shreyas Iyer, Ishan Kishan, and vice-skipper Sanju Samson have made up a strong middle order.
All three players would be eager to maintain their recent form as the Indian team management continues to scout players for the ODI World Cup. While Iyer and Samson have been reliable, Kishan has been playing with an authoritative touch.
Mohammed Siraj has established a solid case for himself as a potential bowling replacement for the injured Jasprit Bumrah in the T20 World Cup squad.
The debuts of the spinners Shahbaz Ahmed and Ravi Bishnoi were successful as well.
Despite the low stakes for the Indians, playing a full-strength South African team that will be hungry for ICC Cricket World Cup Super League points would be a difficult test.
The Proteas, who are now rated 11th, run the risk of not receiving direct entry into the 50-over World Cup in 2019.
Temba Bavuma, who has been dreadfully out of form since making a full recovery from an injury, was rested for the second ODI due to illness, and it remains to be seen whether the captain will play in the championship match.
South African bowlers were helpless against the dew in the second ODI, thus stand-in skipper Keshav Maharaj made the wrong decision. However, they will be expected to go all out in the series finale.
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