What a match we just had in Indore? Finally, we have a real series. MS Dhoni, the captain of the Indian team showed just why he is still a force to be reckoned with in international cricket, almost singlehandedly winning the match and saving the series for India, first with a brilliant unbeaten 92 and then with his inspired captaincy.
It was just like the Dhoni of old, who Indian cricket fans have come to love and admire. And now, we have a real contest. It is no longer just a one-way traffic. India is a side that has been completely transformed, and only a victory can make that happen. They are without R Ashwin, their best bowler, but have recovered a lot of the old spirit and energy that has always characterized an Indian cricket team.
South Africa, for sure, would be anticipating this return to form by India. They are a very seasoned outfit and led by very smart people. AB de Villiers is not the best cricketer on the planet, but also a very humble man, who is known to respect the opposition. AB also knows most of the Indian players having played with them and against them in the IPL, and so would know their strengths and weaknesses. In de Villiers, South Africa have a very capable leader who has his feet firmly on the ground.
South Africa are aware that there are chinks in their armor. Their lower middle order is just not strong enough. After the big 5 of Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock, Faf du Plessis, AB de Villiers and JP Duminy, the rest of the batting line-up lacks in both form and confidence, especially young David Miller.
[table id=33 /]
Miller has been for long recognized as one of the best finishers in T20s and ODIs, but he has been woefully out for form for almost a year now. Miller represents South Africa’s biggest headache. It is possible that they might give him a rest in tomorrow’s match at Rajkot and play all-rounder Chris Morris in his place.
India have serious worries of their own. Virat Kohli, their #1 batsman has seriously underperformed. He hasn’t had a decent score for a long time in limited overs cricket. Suresh Raina has been in a real rut as well. Raina’s weakness against the short ball is all too apparent.
The Indian bowling is nothing much to speak off, although they did have a good day at Indore. Their best hope is to get South Africa’s top 5 out before the 35th over and take their chances against the rest of the batting lineup. Harbhajan Singh will be expected to recreate some of his old magic, but he will be bowling to batsmen who are very confident against spin bowling, because of all the time spent in the IPL.
For South Africa, young Kagiso Rabada has been their best bowler by far. He has outshone Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel, two of South Africa’s greatest ever bowlers. Clearly, he is someone to watch out for. For India, Shikhar Dhawan will play despite not having performed in any of the recent matches, mainly because of lack of other options.
The Teams
India: 1 Rohit Sharma, 2 Shikhar Dhawan, 3 Ajinkya Rahane 4 Virat Kohli, 5 MS Dhoni (capt, wk), 6 Suresh Raina, 7 Axar Patel, 8 Harbhajan Singh, 9 Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 10 Mohit Sharma, 11 Umesh Yadav
South Africa: 1 Quinton de Kock (wk), 2 Hashim Amla, 3 Faf du Plessis (capt), 4 AB de Villiers (capt), 5 JP Duminy, 6 Farhaan Behardien, 7 David Miller/Chris Morris, 8 Dale Steyn, 9 Morne Morkel, 10 Kagiso Rabada, 11 Imran Tahir
Match Conditions
Weather looks good at Rajkot, but we hope the match remains incident free as a political activist by the name of Hardik Patel, who enjoys a massive following in the state of Gujarat has vowed to block all the roads to the stadium where the match will be held.
Watch India take on South Africa this Sunday at 1:30 PM in the 3rd ODI live on Star Sports!
You can also bet on the match with the below:
[table id=16 responsive=”tablet” /]
