India and South Africa will clash in the series decider at Cape Town from January 11th. Ahead of the game, former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir has suggested two changes to Team India’s playing XI for the third Test against South Africa. We take a look at Gauti’s suggestions in this article.
India’s playing XI for the third Test against South Africa
Virat Kohli had missed the game at Wanderers and Hanuma Vihari played the encounter. He did well, especially in the second innings, remaining unbeaten on 40. Gambhir felt that Virat Kohli must replace Ajinkya Rahane and not Hanuma Vihari in the playing XI.
While speaking on Star Sports, he said, “I have already told you my batting order. Virat Kohli in place of Rahane and Hanuma Vihari at No. 5. The way Vihari played this Test match, scored 60 runs – only one inning because he was unbeaten in the second. Our country is obsessed with stats, about what the stats say.”
Mohammed Siraj struggled with fitness in the second encounter. Gambhir said that if Siraj is not fit, it must be Umesh Yadav who should replace him. He reasoned out that Umesh’s attributes match the closest to Siraj and also, Umesh had done well in his last Test match.
Team India on the brink of history
India is on the brink of doing something spectacular at Cape Town. Till now, a Test series has not been won in the Rainbow Nation. The series currently stands at 1-1 and hence, India has all the chances to win the game and create history. However, the squad must be wary of its performances. In the previous game, the bowlers had a bad outing. The batsmen lost wickets carelessly. They must avoid repetition of the same. Virat Kohli‘s return will be an advantage and India must try to win the game.