South Africa vs India, 4th ODI- India Predicted XI

The Test series between India and South Africa was dominated by the hosts. The Proteas brushed India aside in Cape Town and Pretoria to bag the series. Going into the One Day International series, India wished to turn their fortunes around and string together some solid performances.

To India’s delighted they thumped the hosts in the opening three games. The Men in Blue have notched comprehensive victories and have taken an unassailable lead in the series. After three humiliating defeats, South Africa would be hoping to keep their hopes alive with a victory.

On the contrary, India would want to keep their winning streak intact. In our article, we take an insight into India’s probable playing XI in the upcoming game at the iconic Wanderers stadium in Johannesburg.

Openers (Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma)

Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan are most likely to open the batting. Both have had contrasting fortunes in the three games of the series. Shikhar Dhawan has been in prime form in the tournament with a couple of half-centuries under his belt. Also, his strike-rate is above a run-a-ball, which are ominous signs for the opposition ahead of the fourth game.

Rohit Sharma, on the other hand, has been going through a rough patch. He is undoubtedly one of India’s most reliable batsmen, however, he has perished for low scores on three occasions. India has got most things right in the series and Rohit coming back to form will strengthen India’s chances of winning the series.

Middle-order (Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Manish Pandey, MS Dhoni (wk))

The middle-order is most likely to witness a solitary change ahead of the fourth game. Kedar Jadhav pulled his groin muscle and Manish Pandey might replace him. Apart from that, the lineup looks well built. Virat Kohli has shown exemplary form and has tormented the South African bowlers with disdain. He has racked 318 runs in the series and will again be pivotal for India’s chances in the upcoming game.

Ajinkya Rahane played expertly at Durban and carved a match-winning partnership with his skipper to help India win the game. However, despite impressive performances, he hasn’t quite been able to cement his spot in the team. However, he has the ability to emerge as an efficient middle-order batsman. MS Dhoni’s presence lends experience and depth to their batting.

All-rounder (Hardik Pandya)

Hardik Pandya has effortlessly been one of the most explosive all-rounders India have ever produced. He commenced his tour of South Africa with a stupendous show at the Newlands in Cape Town. However, he hasn’t a great run thereafter. Going into the One Day International series, he was expected to play a crucial role for the Indians.

However, he hasn’t had much to do with the series. In three games, he only has 17 runs to his name. With the ball, he hasn’t been effective either. In 20 overs he has remained wicket-less and also has conceded runs at an expensive rate. However, a couple of poor performances can’t undermine the skills of the all-rounder and he will again be entrusted with both bat and ball.

Bowlers (Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah)

The bowling department is one of the primary reasons why India have dictated terms to the South African batsmen. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah have churned out early wickets to push the Proteas batting on the back-foot. However, the spin-duo of Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav has been astounding with the leather.

They have a combined tally of 21 wickets in three games, which is bewildering, especially on wickets which are renowned for assisting fast-bowlers. The hosts have struggled to gauge the guile and trajectory of the wrist-spinners. India will hope to romp to a series victory in the upcoming game on the backs of the two leggies.

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