India and South Africa Predicted Playing XI: With the series tied 1-1, India and South Africa arrive in Visakhapatnam for a high-stakes decider that promises tension, dew, and tactical battles under lights. After a disappointing defeat in Raipur, India’s focus now shifts to finding the right balance in their XI to secure the trophy at a venue where runs flow freely and nerves are often tested.
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Changes Likely in India’s Middle Order
Management is expected to consider tweaks that could strengthen India’s batting stability. Washington Sundar, who managed scores of 13 and 1 in the first two matches, may make way for either Rishabh Pant or Tilak Varma. KL Rahul is reportedly open to the idea of strengthening the middle order at No. 5, especially with big-game experience proving pivotal in a decider.
In the bowling department, Prasidh Krishna’s expensive outing in Raipur—85 runs in 8.2 overs—may cost him a spot, with Nitish Kumar Reddy the strongest contender to replace him. Reddy’s ability to contribute across disciplines could offer India more control in the middle overs.
Kohli Returns to His Happy Hunting Ground
India will once again bank on senior campaigners Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to anchor the innings. Vizag has historically been Kohli territory—his ODI record here is outstanding, averaging 97.83 with three centuries and several defining knocks. A strong top order start could allow the middle order to express freely.
The toss remains crucial, with dew influencing both earlier games. India are yet to win one in this series, and Rahul will hope luck finally favours his call with silverware on the line.
India’s Predicted XI
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul (C & WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh
On the Bench: Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Prasidh Krishna, Tilak Varma
South Africa Probable XI
Quinton de Kock (WK), Ryan Rickelton, Temba Bavuma (C), Aiden Markram, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Corbin Bosch, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger / Prenelan Subrayen
