India seek consolation as Proteas eye clean-sweep
KOLKATA: India need to set the team composition right as they look to restore pride and prevent South Africa from recording a clean sweep when the two teams clash in the third and final Twenty20 International here at the Eden Gardens on Thursday.
The series was done and dusted in Cuttack after India’s humiliating six-wicket defeat as South Africa sent the hosts packing for their second lowest total of 92 in a match which was interrupted twice due to unruly crowd behaviour.
India had suffered a similar result in Bangladesh in June when they lost two ODIs on the trot before conceding the series 1-2 in their first-ever series defeat to the hosts.
The third T20 may have been rendered inconsequential but it would be of great importance for India skipper M.S. Dhoni, who would look to get into a winning momentum before the five-match ODI series against the visitors.
For this to happen, Dhoni may have to let go his preferred picks in Ambati Rayudu and Axar Patel in favour of Ajinkya Rahane and Amit Mishra.
Dhoni’s selection of Rayudu ahead of Rahane, considered one of the best players of the format, has come under severe criticism.
There is a strong possibility that the elegant right-hander will be included to lend a stability to the side especially after their Cuttack collapse.
The Eden strip is expected to be a spinner’s paradise, and India must capitalise by curbing the South Africans strokeplay on a surface which may not be conducive to batting.
Despite being the most successful Indian skipper, with a World T20 title, 50-overs World Cup and also Champions Trophy triumph to his credit, a certain section believes that days are numbered for the 34-year-old.