India and South Africa will face each other in the final T20I today, as there is everything to play for in the last match of this long tour.
Advertisement
It has been a great journey for team India, as they lost the test series 2-1, before bouncing back and romping to a 5-1 triumph in the ODI series.
India won the first T20I in Johannesburg, as they looked to wrap up this series as well, but came up short in the second match and will now look to win the final match and the series as well.
Here is the predicted XI!
OPENERS
Rohit Sharma
Other than one fantastic century in the fifth ODI, Rohit Sharma had a very poor tour with the bat.
But that you can never count out Rohit, as he is one of the modern greats in limited overs cricket. Expect him to score big in the final T20I!
Shikhar Dhawan
The attacking left hander had a wonderful time with the bat, as Dhawan showed good form in the ODI series.
The opener scored a century at Johannesburg, and will be looking to perform once again in the third T20I.
MIDDLE ORDER
Virat Kohli (captain)
At the absolute zenith of his cricketing powers, Virat Kohli has been virtually unstoppable on his tour. Kohli has already scored four centuries against the hosts, as his performances with the bat have evoked memories of Sir Viv Richards in his pomp.
While he has not yet clicked in the two T20Is so far, Kohli will surely try to end his fantastic tour on a great note.
Suresh Raina
Raina will be looking to make a more meaningful contribution in the third T20I, as he has only showed glimpses of his talent so far.
Raina will be also looking to re-establish his place in the middle order as the left-hander will be hoping to have one last run in the national side.
Manish Pandey
Pandey surprisingly did not get much of a look in during the ODI series, which is why he got his chance in the T20I series.
After a super performance in the last match, Pandey will be looking to contribute equally well in the last match.
MS Dhoni
The legendary wicket keeper breezed through the ODI series, as Dhoni was not really needed to perform with the bat.
Mahi played a very good hand in the 2nd T20I, and will be looking to once again play a key role in the lats T20I.
Hardik Pandya
After a dismal opening few matches in the ODIs, Pandya re-discovered his form in the last two ODIs as the all-rounder regained his swagger and confidence.
Pandya will be looking to play well and make a big impact in the final match!
BOWLERS
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has had a wonderful tour of South Africa, but his exploits may have jaded him in the ODIs.
That being said, he will be expected to lead the bowling line-up one more time.
Kuldeep Yadav
One half of the most potent spin-duo in world cricket right now, Kuldeep Yadav has had a wonderful tour so far.
India will look to rest Chahal amd bring in Yadav for the final match.
Jaydev Unadkat
After two decent outings with the ball, Unadkat will once again try and make a strong impression with in the final T20I.
Shardul Thakur
Thakur has been impressive on this tour so far, and will be looking to make one more important contribution in the final T20I.
