Tue Nov 12 06:46:43 UTC 2024: ## India Aims for Series Lead with Potential Changes in Playing XI for 3rd T20 against South Africa
**Hyderabad:** The India vs South Africa T20 series is heating up after the Proteas fought back in the second match, following India’s dominant win in the first. The third match on Wednesday is crucial, with the winner taking a 2-1 lead in the series.
India is expected to make two changes to their playing XI for the third match, with a focus on bolstering the batting order and adding pace. Young opener Abhishek Sharma has been struggling for form and is likely to be replaced by Ramandeep Singh, who is waiting in the wings. Sanju Samson will retain his spot as the other opener.
The middle order will see the usual suspects – skipper Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, and either Hardik Pandya or Rinku Singh, who will bat based on a right-hand, left-hand combination. Axar Patel is a sure starter as the spin-bowling all-rounder.
However, India might be looking to add another batsman to the team, given their struggles in the second match. Jitesh Sharma, who was included in the squad, could get a chance to bat in the lower order.
The spin department will remain unchanged with Varun Chakravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi. However, a change in pace bowling is likely with Arshdeep Singh, who conceded a lot of runs in the last match, sitting out. Young speedster Yash Dayal is expected to get a chance to make his debut.
If these changes materialize, the Indian squad could look like this:
**India (Predicted):** Ramandeep Singh, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel/Jitesh Sharma, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Yash Dayal, Avesh Khan.
The third T20 promises to be a thrilling encounter with both teams looking to seize the initiative in the series.
First Piper 