India vs South Africa 3rd ODI: Probable XI
What's the story
Virat Kohli and Co. will have a chance to create history when they take the field against South Africa, in the Newlands Stadium on Wednesday. Before the current tour, India have lost all the ODI series on South African soil and the men in blue are just a step away from resetting this unwanted record. Here is our probable XI for the upcoming fixture.
Injury woes
South Africa's batting core to miss 3rd ODI
Injuries have put the hosts in deep trouble, leaving their batting order quite short of experience. AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis and Quinton de Kock will be missing the third ODI. South Africa must find a way to win without them since they have already lost the first two games. Quinton de Kock's absence means Heinrich Klaasen is set to make his debut.
Spin wizards
Indian spinners weave their magic
South Africa's downfall in the first two ODIs can be credited to success of the Indian wrist spinners. Spinners, Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav have been fantastic in the first two ODIs, bagging 7 and 6 wickets respectively. Their aggressive approach has ensured that the South African batsman don't get settled down at the crease.
Outclassed
South African batsmen have failed to rise to the occasion
Not just the Indian bowlers, the batsmen have been supreme too. In the first ODI, Virat Kohli scored 112 and Rahane 79 to muster a 189 run partnership for the 3rd wicket, which sealed the deal for India. In the second, Dhawan scored 51* and Kohli 46*. The best effort from South Africa was Faf's 120 in the 1st ODI.
Depleted XI
Injury woes leaves South Africa with selection dilemma
With their batting core missing, South Africa will definitely have a selection dilemma. However, captain Aiden Markram should open the innings with Hashim Amla. A lot will depend on the middle order of JP Duminy, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Khaya Zondo and Chris Morris. Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Morne Morkel and Imran Tahir are likely to find their names on the team sheet.
Perfect XI?
India unlikely to change XI after winning streak
After having won the first two ODIs, injury free India are unlikely to tinker with their playing XI. Rohit Sharma will open the inning alongside Shikhar Dhawan. Kohli, Rahane, Hardik Pandya, Dhoni and Kedar Jadhav comprise of the middle order. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah will take care of the pace department while spinners Kuldeep Yadav & Yuzvendra Chahal finish the eleven.