India will be playing against Australia in the third T20I at the Sydney Cricket Ground, on November 25. With rain proving a significant factor in both the matches, several other factors currently sees India trailing the three-match T20I series, 1-0; one of which was the team composition, for which skipper Virat Kohli drew ire of the former cricketers too!
The first thing that irked the former cricketers and the fans alike was promoting KL Rahul up the order, on number 3, and pushing Virat Kohli on the number 4 slot. Rahul had little to show on his resume after the first T20I, and with no chance to bat in the second T20I, the case only worsened. India vs Australia 2018 Video Diaries: KL Rahul Meets Fans at Melbourne Cricket Ground After 2nd T20I.
Another instance was the inclusion of Krunal Pandya ahead of Yuzvendra Chahal in the playing XI in both the matches. Pandya had a forgetful outing in the first game as he leaked 55 runs in his 4 over. However, he improved his bowling in the second game as he only conceded only 26 runs.
The third match of the series is going to be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney. The pitch at the ground has been a batsman’s paradise. However, the pitch has also helped the spinners a lot in recent times. Keeping the fact that the Sydney pitch has assisted spinners in the past, skipper Kohli would be tempted to bring back Yuzvendra Chahal. India vs Australia, 2nd T20I 2018 Highlights: Match Abandoned Called Off Due to Rain, Australia Lead Series 1-0!
With the match set to begin in less than 24 hours, we take a look at what could be the best team composition India should play against Australia in the 3rd T20I match at Sydney.
India’s Likely Playing XI for 3rd T20I: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli (c), Manish Pandey, Rishabh Pant (wk), Dinesh Karthik, Krunal Pandya, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Twelfth Man: KL Rahul.
Also, the top three of the big four in the Indian line-up will need to fire big if they are looking to square the series. India has the luxury of Manish Pandey and Shreyas Iyer who are warming the bench at the moment.
To bring in Manish Pandey, and push Kohli to his usual number 3 spot can be a huge plus for the Indian team. Also, Khaleel Ahmed has bowled hot-and-cold so far. Yuzvendra Chahal can replace the young left-arm pacer.
Watch Video Preview of India vs Australia, 3rd T20I match at Sydney:
The combination of playing three spinners and two fast bowlers in the playing XI can yield India the positive result they are looking for. Also, since Sydney has been a happy hunting ground for spinners, it will be a good call to play three spinners. Dinesh Karthik Sports a Beanie During India vs Australia 2nd T20I Match at Melbourne, Leaves Twitterati Amused!
However, will the threat of rain loom over the match or not is for the forecast to predict. As far as the team composition is concerned, then the team India needs to make a few changes to level the series and move on to the Test-leg high on confidence!
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 24, 2018 05:54 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).