India v South Africa 3rd T20I preview: India desperate to avoid humiliating whitewash

India v South Africa 3^rd T20I preview: India desperate to avoid humiliating whitewash: The series is done and dusted in materialistic proportions. All the predictions of India having a distinct upper hand have come crashing down. South Africa have shown India the mirror and the image aren’t pretty. The series defeat has also put to rest the much-debated home advantage theory and proved it doesn’t always work. It has got to be said that the sorry behavior of fans in Cuttack somewhat overshadowed India’s poor show. But that is not a performance to be downplayed.

It needs serious confrontation and remedial action. With the World T20 next year in the country every match is vital and the hosts would be eager to win the last T20I in Kolkata and salvage some pride.

South Africa, on the other hand, would be absolutely delighted with their young boys coming to the fore. They showed nerves of steel in the first game and just rolled over India at Cuttack. Despite not having Steyn and Morkel in the line up the Proteas bowlers decimated the strong Indian batting in the last game. The tourists would hope for another comprehensive show and whitewash the series.

India

India’s dismal account with the bat was overshadowed by the regretful scenes from the crowd in Cuttack, but that does not iron out the issues, the batting is facing at the moment. Without a big score from the top three, India seems to struggle in both formats of limited-overs cricket. But not always will they come to the party. At times, the middle order has to step up and take the responsibility of steadying the innings if wickets fall in a heap.

Having said that, there is no excuse for gifting your wickets away in the form of run outs. South Africans are fantastic fielders and it will be ill-advised to take on their arms. The shot selection from some of the batsmen was appalling to say the least and needs to be addressed. While credit should go to the South African bowlers for bowling immaculate lines, there is little doubt that India should have done better.

One option to set things right is replacing opener Shikhar Dhawan, who is looking horribly out of touch and averaging a paltry 14.37 in international T20’s with Ajinkya Rahane. The Mumbaikar has opened for Rajasthan Royals in IPL and shouldn’t find any difficulty in facing the new cherry. Rohit Sharma has looked assured at one end but needs someone to say longer with him.

MS Dhoni has hinted at giving the bench strength a chance and Amabati Rayudu might have to make way for Stuart Binny who can provide the much-needed impetus towards the end. The Eden track is traditionally slow and low and three spinners is what India would prefer.

South Africa

South Africa seem pretty relaxed, having clinched the series with a match to go. This game will be the perfect opportunity to give the players on the bench ago. Quinton de Kock is yet to get a hit in the middle while the Proteas could also give an opportunity to Eddie Leie and destructive middle order batsman Khaya Zondo. de Cock, in particular, has seen a promising start to his international career curtailed somewhat by indifferent form with the bat.

Faf du Plessis would be pleased having trumped his IPL skipper MS Dhoni in all the departments. The South African management will be thrilled with the high level of intensity the players showed as they skittled out a dangerous looking Indian line-up for just 92. Most impressive was the emphatic return of Albie Morkel, who put in a man of the match performance with figures of 3 for 12.

South Africa have depended heavily on AB de Villiers and Duminy in both the matches. While JP played a blinder of a knock at Dharamsala, the visitors didn’t look at ease while chasing a paltry 93 at Cuttack. The pace bowling has been on target with Rabada impressing experts and fans alike. Imran Tahir has found some form and would be a major threat on the Eden deck.

South Africa look good coming into this game after strong performances in the previous two matches. However, with the Indians playing in front of a massive Eden Gardens crowd, and the visitors likely to rest some key players, we can expect an exciting clash.

Pitch

Traditionally speaking, the pitch is on the slower side offering plenty of assistance to the spinners. However, with so much rain forecast during the day coupled with the humidity of the evening, the spinners will be in for a tough night trying to keep the ball as dry as possible.

Probable XI:

India: MS Dhoni (c), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina, Ajinkya Rahane, Ravichandran Ashwin, Stuart Binny, Akshar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohit Sharma, Amit Mishra.

South Africa: Faf du Plessis (c), Kyle Abbott, Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Imran Tahir, Chris Morris, Kagiso Rabada, Albie Morkel and Khaya Zondo.