Picture Credit: BCCI
India and South Africa are playing the final match of the three-match T20I series on Tuesday (4 October). India’s captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and decided to bowl first. With India having already won the series, the Men in Blue made a few changes to their playing XI. While the management has rested a couple of their T20I regulars like star batter Virat Kohli and vice-captain KL Rahul, young left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh is also missing from the lineup.
While Rahul and Kohli not featuring in the playing XI was not a surprise, Singh missing out was surely a shocker. Therefore, captain Sharma was asked about the same at the toss. And as he explained, the left-arm quick has also been rested as he felt a little trouble with his back. Sharma said that the management decided not to risk another player’s fitness and hence Arshdeep was not included in the playing XI.
“Three changes for us, Kohli and KL are out, and Arshdeep misses out for some issues with his back. It is precautionary, nothing serious. We've got Shreyas Iyer, Umesh Yadav and Siraj in. We want to keep challenging ourselves, keep improving and keep batting the same way,” said Sharma at the toss.
Meanwhile, South Africa also made a change to their lineup. All-rounder Dwaine Pretorious replaced pacer Anrich Nortje. “One change today - Dwayne Pretorius comes in for Nortje, just to give an extra option with a change of pace,” said Temba Bavuma.
Rishabh Pant to open with Rohit Sharma?
As neither KL Rahul nor Virat Kohli is playing tonight, the birthday boy Rishabh Pant may get a gift from his captain and might get a chance to open the innings for India. Pant has opened the innings for India in the past as well. So, it won’t be a surprise. Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav can bat at No.3 followed by Shreyas Iyer at No.4.
