IND vs SA 3rd ODI: This batsman set to join India’s lineup; South Africa likely to tinker — Strongest Playing XIs of both teams

The final and the crucial match of the IDFC FIRST BANK three-match ODI series between India and South Africa will be played tomorrow, December 6. Whichever team wins this match at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam will win the series.

India has not lost an odi series at home for two years.

India defeated South Africa by a margin 17 runs in the first ODI played in Ranchi. South Africa registered a historic four-wicket win in the second ODI played in Raipur. Thus, the series is tied at 1-1, and whichever team wins the final match will win the series. India has not lost a single home ODI series in the last two years. India last lost an ODI series at home to Australia in March 2023, 2-1. Therefore, after a 0-2 clean sweep in the Test series against Africa, the Indian team would not want to lose the ODI series as well.

Washington Sundar will be dropped from the playing 11!

India may field one change in this match. All-rounder Washington Sundar may be dropped from the playing XI. He hasn't had many opportunities to bowl in the last two matches. In the Ranchi ODI, he bowled three overs without success. In Raipur, he bowled just four overs, conceding 28 runs and going wicketless.

Tilak Varma may get a chance

He hasn't been able to do much with the bat either. Sundar scored 13 runs in the first ODI, while he managed just one run in the second. Therefore, a specialist batsman could be included in the team in his place. Tilak Verma could be a good option. Verma is also a part-time spinner and can bowl two to three overs if needed.

Tony De Zorzi was injured

South Africa, meanwhile, fielded three changes in the second ODI, which affected the team's performance. However, Tony De Zorzi was injured in the second ODI. If he is not fit, Ryan Rickelton could be given another opportunity.

Probable playing 11 of both the teams –

India: Prasidh Krishna, KL Rahul (captain and wicketkeeper), Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Kuldeep Yadav, Tilak Varma, Ravindra Jadeja, Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Harshit Rana & Arshdeep Singh, 

South Africa: Temba Bavuma (captain), Ryan Rickelton, Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper), Aiden Markram, Dewald Brewis, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi.

The Decider: Everything You Need to Know About the India vs. South Africa 3rd ODI (Time, Venue, Streaming)