IND vs SA 3rd ODI: Gaikwad to Open, Nitish Gets a Big Chance - Major Changes Expected in India’s Playing XI

India is all set for a hot and happening battle against South Africa in a 3rd ODI match that would decide the series. The match is slotted for Saturday, December 6, in Visakhapatnam. As the battle of titans with the series on the line draws near, both teams are readying for the toughest and finally deciding clash that will announce the winner.

The first ODI was dominated by India, but then South Africa gave a strong rebuttal in the second ODI. Now all the mobiles and gadgets are connected to the third match. India has the home advantage and will be trying its best not to lose the series while South Africa, on the back of their win, will be going for the kill. Both the teams seem to be under pressure, and there might be two major changes in the Indian playing XI.

Gaikwad Likely to Open, Jaiswal May Be Benched

This is perhaps the biggest change of all when the hard-hitting Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has been experiencing problems in his form, might be dropped.

In his position, the fluent Ruturaj Gaikwad is expected to pair with captain Rohit Sharma at the opening with a start that is more secure and imperative thus making the Indian batting lineup more aggressive.

Kohli at No. 3 will not change; he will still play his anchoring role but now will be slightly more aggressive than before providing the necessary stability in the top order.

Pant Likely to Return at No. 4

Rishabh Pant, after missing the first two ODIs, is expected to make it back to the team at No. 4.

His superlative stroke-play along with sharp wicketkeeping can really give a boost to India’s middle order in the tough situation of the match.

Washington Sundar May Be Replaced by Nitish Kumar Reddy

It seems that the fast-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has totally recovered from his previous injury and thus is the favorite to step in for Washington Sundar, who could not make an impact with either bat or ball.

He will also strengthen India’s lower middle order significantly with his pace, power-hitting, and all-round skills.

Middle Order and Bowling Setup

No 6 – KL Rahul: A man who knows how to bring solidity and an inning closer at times when others are not able to.

No 7 – Ravindra Jadeja: A key all-rounder who brings balance to both departments.

No 8 – Harshit Rana: Looking to keep his spot owing to his slow but steady rise.

In the bowling unit:

Kuldeep Yadav still has a very important role to play as the specialist spinner.

Arshdeep Singh is set to continue as the leader of the pace attack.

Prasidh Krishna is the one who will be given support despite expensive spells as that is one his wicket-taking abilities.

Predicted Playing XI - India vs South Africa, 3rd ODI

Rohit Sharma (C), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Nitish Kumar Reddy, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna