The Indian cricket team could make some changes to its final match for their third Test match against South Africa, which is scheduled to start in Cape Town on January 11. The visitors lost the second Test after South Africa captain Dean Elgar showcased great fighting spirit to help his team chase the 240-run goal With Virat Kohli most likely to return in the crucial match, India may have some replacements. Pacer Ishant Sharma is likely to replace Mohammed Siraj. As far as batting goes, it will be interesting to see if the team management picks Shreyas Iyer in place of the middle batsman..
Here’s a look at the possible final playing XI of Team India for the 3rd Test:
Mayank Agarwal: Opener Mayank is in good form on this tour and is expected to be at his best in the final. He has made 113 runs so far, 60 of which are his highest knock.
KL Rahul: Rahul, who captained India in the second Test, got the purple patch on this tour. He averaged 51.00 points per game after four innings and led the Indian team in scoring with 204 runs.
Cheteshwar Pujara: In the second Test, a struggling Pujara stood up to perform as India’s chips fell. However, his half-century failed to save India as the visitors lost their second match.
Virat Kohli: Kohli could replace Hanuma Vihari and lead the team for the Johannesburg Test after recovering from a back spasm.
Ajinkya Rahane: Rahane’s half-century in 2 Game may have just saved his place in the final XI, as he is currently second on the list of top players in the series.
Shardul Thakur: Thakur stunned everyone by taking seven wickets in the first innings of the second Test and was also instrumental in setting a challenging goal for the hosts.
Rishabh Pant: Wicketkeeper-batter Pant could get another lifeline, despite the likes of head coach Rahul Dravid admitting a rash shot in his post-match press conference.
Ravichandran Ashwin: Ashwin’s possession has been below par in this series, and he has only managed three wickets in two games on a pace-friendly pitches. With the bat, he had 80 crucial runs in four innings.
Ishant Sharma: Veteran pacer Ishant can take a look after India struggled with the ball in South Africa’s second innings in the second Test. Siraj, who picked up a knock in Johannesburg, could make way.
Complete News Source : NDTV
