DO or DIE in Vizag: India’s Strongest XI for 3rd ODI vs South Africa

India Men’s National Cricket Team will be playing the 3rd and last ODI match against South Africa Men’s National Cricket Team on December 06, 2025, at ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. After a dominant performance in the first ODI, India lost the 2nd ODI in Raipur, where South Africa chased down a massive 359 runs, and the series is now level at 1-1.

It’s going to be a do-or-die match between both teams, but the Indian Team needs to think of their bowling department after a disappointing performance in the 2nd ODI. The Pitch in Vizag generally supports batters, but bowlers might not be as effective as they were in Raipur or Ranchi.

Prasidh Krishna Likely to be Dropped

Prasidh Krishna had conceded 85 runs in just 8.2 overs in the second ODI. He has an economy rate of over 10, and also couldn’t have had impactful performances in the first two matches in this series. The chances are quite high that India might drop him and is expected to add Nitish Kumar Reddy to the Playing XI.

The 3rd ODI match between India and South Africa will be a must-win game for both teams. Dropping Prasidh Krishna will help the Indian Team to add more depth in batting, which will be quite helpful on the batting-friendly wicket of Vizag.

India’s Probable Playing XI for 3rd ODI vs South Africa

Why Nitish Kumar Reddy Should Return?

The Indian Team needs to work on both the batting and bowling departments; therefore, an all-rounder like Nitihs Kumar Reddy would be a good choice in the 3rd ODI. India also struggled to finish the innings in both the last two ODIs, and Nitish is known for playing an anchor role in the death overs.

So, his addition will be a choice for the Indian Team as it will add more stability in both the batting and bowling department ahead of the 3rd ODI 2025. If India bench Prasidh Krishna, then their bowling unit will have Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sunder and Nitish Kumar Reddy (6th bowler).

India ODI Squad vs South Africa:

KL Rahul (Captain), Rohit Sharma,  Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma, Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh.

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