The third T20 International between India and Australia is set to be played on November 2nd in Hobart. This match holds immense significance for the Indian team, as the host Australian side currently leads the series 1-0. Following a four-wicket defeat in the previous encounter, the Indian team will be eager to make a strong comeback and keep their hopes alive in the series. Consequently, Captain Suryakumar Yadav and the team management are expected to consider some strategic alterations to the playing XI to enhance the team's balance and strength.
Potential Changes in the Bowling Department
The Indian team distinctly felt the absence of a third fast bowler in the second T20I. To address this deficiency, there is a strong possibility of including Arshdeep Singh in the playing XI. Arshdeep Singh is one of India's highest wicket-takers in T20 Internationals, and his exclusion from the first two matches had raised several questions, while his ability to swing the ball and bowl effectively in death overs could prove crucial for the team. His inclusion would provide a much-needed boost to the pace attack, offering variety and a wicket-taking option that was perhaps missed in the previous game.
Kuldeep Yadav Under Scrutiny
In the second T20I, while Kuldeep Yadav did manage to pick up two wickets in the Indian spin bowling department, he proved to be quite expensive. He conceded 45 runs in his 3. 2-over spell, which allowed the opposition to maintain a healthy run rate, while in contrast, Varun Chakravarthy delivered an excellent performance, giving away only 23 runs in 4 overs and also claiming two wickets. Varun is currently ranked as the number one bowler in T20 Internationals, highlighting his current form and effectiveness, while given these performances, the team management might decide to replace Kuldeep Yadav with Arshdeep Singh to bolster the fast-bowling attack, thereby providing the team with an additional pace option and a more balanced bowling unit.
Batting Order Needs Improvement
Apart from Abhishek Sharma and Harshit Rana, the Indian batting line-up struggled Importantly in the second T20I, while abhishek Sharma played a brilliant innings of 68 runs, while Harshit Rana also made a valuable contribution of 35 runs. However, key batsmen such as Captain Suryakumar Yadav, Shubman Gill, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, and Tilak Varma will need to perform much better with the bat in the remaining matches of the series. It's imperative for these players to find their form, especially when the team needs to post large totals or chase challenging targets. Their collective failure puts undue pressure on the few in-form batsmen and can derail the team's efforts.
**Jitesh Sharma to Replace Sanju Samson?
Sanju Samson's performance in both wicketkeeping and batting was disappointing in the last match. His lack of consistency with the bat and some lapses behind the stumps added pressure on the team, while consequently, the team management might consider giving Jitesh Sharma an opportunity. Jitesh Sharma is an aggressive batsman and could prove to be a better option behind the wickets. His inclusion in the team could add depth to the batting order and provide impetus in the middle overs. This change could offer a new dimension to the team and help them secure a. Victory in the crucial encounter against Australia, providing a fresh perspective and a more dynamic approach.
A Look at the Probable Playing XI
Considering all these potential changes, the probable playing XI for Team India in the third T20I could be as follows: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson/Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav/Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah. This playing XI aims to provide balance to both the batting and bowling departments, enabling them to perform better in the decisive match against Australia and turn the tide in their favor.
