We have opted for a fantasy cricket team based on the recent performances, overall impact, and credit points.
Pitch Report
Matches played at the venue: 2
1st innings average score: 118
2nd innings average score: 117
Type: Expected to play slow.
Time: September 28, 7.00 PM IST
Teams
Playing XI for India: Rohit Sharma (c), KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Harshal Patel, Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal
Probable XI for South Africa: Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock (wk), Aiden Markram/Janneman Malan, Temba Bavuma (c), David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Dwaine Pretorius, Wayne Parnell/Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi
Game Changers
David Miller was striking it big in the Caribbean T20 League. He added 170 runs at 57, including the highest score of 60. On his previous tour to India in June, he had scores of 64*, 20*, 3, and 9.
Similarly, Heinrich Klaasen also got crucial runs (118) for Guyana, lower down the order, at an impressive strike rate of 137. He registered scores of 81, 29, and 9 in the T20Is against India a few months ago.
Out of 18 Australian wickets that fell, 8 belonged to Axar Patel. Such was his dominance with the ball. Powerplay or middle overs, his left-arm spin did the trick for India.
Smart Picks
Harshal Patel might have struggled against Australia, but he should derive confidence from the fact that he finished as the highest wicket-taker (7) against South Africa when they toured India in June.
His senior colleague, Jasprit Bumrah, also struggled for rhythm. However, one expects him to shake off the rust and get back to striking with both new and old ball.
Since his return from injury, KL Rahul has blown hot and cold. His recent scores read 6, 62, 55, 10, and 1. Given his class and experience, he will be aware of his performances.
Since the Asia Cup, Rohit Sharma has registered only one fifty in 7 innings but has added bonus points through regular boundary-hitting in the powerplay. Against South Africa, he has collected 362 runs at 30, including the highest score of 106 in 12 T20Is.
Lately, Tabraiz Shamsi has been the best spinner for his side, especially in T20s. He has bagged 11 wickets, including the best figures of 5 for 24 in his last 5 T20Is.
Power Players
In his last 8 innings, Virat Kohli has smashed one century and three fifties. There are a couple of single-digit scores, but he has been putting up commendable performances of late.
Suryakumar Yadav ended up as the highest run-getter (115 at 38) for India against Australia. In the process, he also made the Ultimate Team on two out of three occasions.
Despite going hammer and tongs in the powerplay, Reeza Hendricks has managed to maintain consistency. He has slammed four half-centuries in his last 5 T20Is.
Fantasy Tip of The Day
While the Indian spinners have been amongst the wickets, the seamers have struggled lately. For South Africa, their seamers have been doing an excellent job.