The Indian cricket team is gearing up for a crucial T20I showdown against South Africa at Johannesburg's famed Wanderers Stadium on December 14, aiming to avert a rare series defeat in the format. The pressure is on after India's five-wicket loss in a rain-hit match at Gqeberha on December 12, despite commendable batting efforts by captain Suryakumar Yadav and Rinku Singh, who scored an unbeaten 68 off 39 balls.
Challenging weather conditions played a significant role in India's defeat at Gqeberha, with Indian bowlers struggling for grip in the damp conditions. Reeza Hendricks capitalized on the situation, putting the Indian attack under pressure during the powerplay.
Johannesburg's forecast looks promising, with no rain expected, providing India with an opportunity to level the series and prevent their first T20I series defeat to South Africa since 2015. The last time India lost a T20I series to South Africa was at home in 2015, with the series ending 2-0 in favor of the Proteas following the abandonment of the final match.
India's recent track record against South Africa in T20Is has been favorable, with two series wins and two draws out of the four played since the 2015 series loss. However, the defeat in Gqeberha marked India's sixth consecutive loss across all formats in South Africa, a streak they are eager to break.
Suryakumar Yadav's team is looking to make amends in Johannesburg, a venue where India has historically performed well in T20Is, including their iconic 2007 T20 World Cup final victory against Pakistan. The Indian team has won three out of their five T20I matches at this venue.
One key area of focus for India will be their bowling, particularly after Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj conceded substantial runs in the second game. Improvements in this department will be crucial for India's chances of leveling the series.
Predicted XI for the 3rd T20I between South Africa and India
Looking ahead to the third match, the spotlight is on the Indian lineup, especially after openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill were dismissed for ducks in the previous game. With Ruturaj Gaikwad's recovery still uncertain, Jaiswal and Gill might continue as openers. Tilak Varma's impressive performance in the last game should secure his spot, followed by the unchanged middle order of Suryakumar, Rinku Singh, and Jitesh Sharma.
With limited bowling options due to Deepak Chahar's absence, India will rely on Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, and Arshdeep Singh to step up their game. Ravi Bishnoi might remain on the sidelines as India could stick with Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja.
South Africa, forced to make changes due to the unavailability of Gerald Coetzee and Marco Jansen, might consider including Keshav Maharaj and giving opportunities to Nandre Burger or Ottniel Baartman.
As both teams gear up for this decisive encounter, the stage is set for an enthralling contest in Johannesburg, with India eager to level the series and maintain their competitive edge against the Proteas.
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