Following a tough previous match, the Proteas need to regroup and find a way to bounce back with a win in the 4th T20I on Friday, writes Abhai Sawkar.

India have confidently bounced back after two early losses, and the series is still wide open.

The Proteas’ batting struggle from the last game, highlights an ongoing concern. With Aiden Markram confirmed to be sidelined from the remaining two games as well as the uncertainty over Quinton de Kock’s return to the XI, there are big question marks about the batting depth.

One key talking point is Dwaine Pretorius coming in at No 3. It was a tactic that came off nicely in the first game, as a pinch-hitting option was badly needed due to the relatively slow start from the openers.

But it’s also to be noted that this was also a means to add to the batting depth when there wasn’t much, to begin with. Currently, the designated No 7, Wayne Parnell, is a bowling allrounder. Incidentally, this implies that the specialist batters must turn up and the team can’t afford to lose wickets in a cluster.

As for India, things are falling in place. It was a sterling all-round show from the hosts to keep SA under control and land the decisive blows. However, there’s still a bit of doubt over their rather inconsistent middle-order.

They’ve gotten off to positive starts early on in each of the games so far, but courtesy of some quality death bowling, they haven’t quite been able to convert the back end of the innings to a blistering finish.

It’s been a little over two years since the Saurashtra stadium in Rajkot hosted an international fixture, but it’s a bigger ground with a relatively flatter surface. Should the batters from both sides apply themselves well, we could see another run-laden contest in-store.

Potential XI’s:

The scoreline may say 2-1, but that doesn’t imply that the visitors are out of the woods by any means. The bowling has been a positive, but the general approach with the bat has incited a serious debate.

One possible solution could involve bringing Tristan Stubbs back to the XI, and in that case, one of the bowling choices will have to make way, possibly Keshav Maharaj. The XI will stay as is, assuming de Kock isn’t match-ready. But he was seen batting in the nets earlier today, so that may suggest a return. If that’s the case, Reeza Hendricks will be the one to make way.

In addition, Anrich Nortje hasn’t quite been at his best since his long injury layoff. This could open the door for the alternate pace option, Lungi Ngidi.

Bavuma (c)
Hendricks/de Kock
Pretorius
van der Dussen
Klaasen (wk)
Miller
Parnell
Maharaj/Stubbs
Rabada
Nortje/Ngidi
Shamsi

India’s confidence factor has risen after a convincing victory, and it wouldn’t make the most sense to alter a balanced XI that effectively clicked. The two young pace phenoms, Umran Malik and Arshdeep Singh, will probably have to wait a bit longer for their big break at the international stage.

There’s also the argument of batting Hardik Pandya at No 4, given Rishabh Pant’s continued struggles. The experienced allrounder averaged 44 in the IPL in that position, with four half-centuries, so this plan could be worth a try.

Ishan
Gaikwad
Iyer
Pant (c and wk)
Pandya
Karthik
Axar
Harshal
Avesh
Bhuvneshwar
Chahal

On the radar

Among the Indian bowlers, Avesh Khan has gone wicketless so far. Considering there are multiple young prospects eagerly waiting on the sidelines, he’ll want to get a few breakthroughs to remain ahead in the race to the T20WC.

And for the Proteas, Rassie van der Dussen has been quite the enigma given his approach. He certainly is capable of unleashing his big shots, but he isn’t the quickest to find his rhythm.

There are growing concerns with regards to how SA go about early in the innings, and it might be high time for a change in strategy, regardless of whether the Proteas are batting first or chasing.

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Photo: CSA