The third T20 match between India and South Africa at Dharamsala on Sunday will not only be crucial for winning the series, but also for the future of Indian team vice-captain Shubman Gill. The countdown has now begun for Gill, who has been facing a poor run of form. If his bat does not work here, the team management may turn to ‘Plan-B’ before the T20 World Cup. On the other hand, Gautam Gambhir’s tactical experiments are also under question.
A ‘do or die’ situation for Shubman Gill
All eyes will be on Shubman Gill when Team India lands on the Dharamshala ground. The T20 World Cup is now counting weeks away and India have only 8 matches left. At times like these, the vice-captain’s lack of form is a matter of concern. The selection committee trusted Gill, leaving out an in-form player like Sanju Samson. Now, if Gill doesn’t live up to this belief, the door may open for Yashaswi Jaiswal or Sanju Samson in the upcoming series against New Zealand.
Captain Surya is safe, but Gill has to prove it
Captain Suryakumar Yadav’s form has also been worrying in the last one year, but being the captain of the team, his place is considered safe till the World Cup. However, Shubman Gill is unlikely to get any such ‘relief’. He was not the team’s first choice as a T20 opener, so he will have to perform exceptionally to answer his critics.
Captain Surya is safe, but Gill has to prove it
Captain Suryakumar Yadav’s form has also been worrying in the last one year, but as the captain of the team, his place is considered safe till the World Cup. However, Shubman Gill is unlikely to get any such ‘relief’. He was not the team’s first choice as a T20 opener, so he will have to perform exceptionally to answer his critics.
Will there be a break on Gambhir’s ‘Akhtara’?
Coach Gautam Gambhir’s tactics are being criticized after the defeat in the second T20 match. In particular, sending Akshar Patel at number-3 and pushing a hitter like Shivam Dubey to number-8, both of these decisions proved to be ‘tactical mistakes’. There is every possibility that Suryakumar Yadav will come to bat in his regular order (number-3) avoiding such experiments in the crucial match of Dharamshala.
Will Kuldeep Yadav get a place in the playing-11?
The biggest question facing the team management is the bowling combination. Kuldeep Yadav has always proved to be a problem for the South African batsmen, yet he has to sit out. The reason is that India need a bowler who can bat at No.8 as well, and Kuldeep doesn’t fit in there. However, wickets are essential to save the series, so the management might rest Arshdeep or Varun Chakraborty and give Kuldeep or Harshit Rana a chance. But it is less likely.
Also Read – Yashasvi Jaiswal hits 48-ball century in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
