India vs South Africa | Predicted XI for 2nd T20I in Centurion
With Virat Kohli already expressing his willingness to give fresh faces a chance in South African conditions, he would desperately want to wrap up the series on Wednesday itself. Interestingly, with certain changes working well for the visitors last time, India have a tricky task at team selection.
Openers
Rohit Sharma - Though none of the top-order batsmen could score big in the first T20I, barring Shikhar Dhawan, their adventurous approach in the first six overs surely made the difference in which India scored a record-breaking 78 runs. Sharma will look to do nothing different on Wednesday as he gets another chance to kill the game before it starts properly.
Shikhar Dhawan - After Virat Kohli, Dhawan is the only batsman to score consistently on the tour so far, getting 427 runs under his belt at an average of 53.37. The southpaw’s 39 ball 72 was quintessential to India setting a target of over 200 after Rohit, Kohli and Suresh Raina all returning within the first 10 overs.Â
Middle-order
Virat Kohli - Though not the highest scorer, but Kohli’s ability to be on the go right from the first ball, makes him an invaluable asset for any side. He has been invincible on the tour so far with four centuries, and we have a feeling he will continue to do so until the very end.
Suresh Raina - Though the veteran was handed a promotion in the last game which sort of
Manish Pandey - The middle-order batsman is blamed for being generally average and occasionally exceptional. And it would not work in an Indian squad that has fierce competition for all the eleven positions. He managed 29 runs in 27 balls last game, and something tells us this will be his last chance of the series.
MS Dhoni - Despite the plethora of suggestions for Dhoni to go up the order, it is not an immediate experiment the Indians are willing to make. Though his place in the squad is safe as ever, Dhoni would definitely want to improve his diminishing reputation as a finisher and fast.
All-Rounder
Hardik Pandya - Pandya couldn’t make a difference with the bat yet again last game as he could hit only two boundaries in seven balls coming late. And though the youngster’s unconventional approach holds a special place in Kohli’s heart, his inefficacy will be the first thing to float up if and when India start losing. He was also the most expensive bowler of the side in Johannesburg.
Bowlers
Yuzvendra Chahal - Chahal will definitely be the first choice in the squad after his magnificent five-wicket haul in Centurion in the 2nd ODI. Though the possibility of a thunderstorm early in the game could spoil his day, Kohli would want to keep him in especially with Kuldeep Yadav a doubt with injury.
Jaydev Unadkat - The left-arm pacer has brought a good balance to India’s pace battery with the other three being right-handed bowlers. He claimed one wicket last game after starting in the most terrible of ways. However, he ended the game with an economy rate of 8.25 and India would need his qualities in a rain-threatened game.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar - He started as India’s deadliest weapon on the tour and will look to end it in a similar manner. He ended last game with five wickets conceding just 24 runs in four overs. And we expect, India to not repeat an identical mistake again.
Jasprit Bumrah - Bumrah has definitely cemented his place in all three formats with his performance in this series. He has already taken 22 wickets at an average of 25.09 with one five-
