Cricket

South Africa and India faced off in the third T20I of their series at SuperSport Park in Centurion, with the series tied at 1-1. South Africa captain Aiden Markram won the toss for the third consecutive time and opted to chase, a decision that was met with approval from India captain Suryakumar Yadav, who would have also chosen to bat first on the pitch that promised runs.Both teams made changes to their lineups. South Africa brought in Lutho Sipamla, a top performer in the recent CSA domestic T20, to replace legspinner Nqaba Peter, leaving them with only one specialist spinner in Keshav Maharaj. India, on the other hand, handed a debut to Ramandeep Singh, a hard-hitting all-rounder, in place of Avesh Khan.The weather conditions were favorable for play, with no rain expected until later in the evening.South Africa:1. Ryan Rickelton (wk)2. Reeza Hendricks3. Aiden Markram (capt)4. Tristan Stubbs5. Heinrich Klaasen6. David Miller7. Marco Jansen8. Andile Simelane9. Gerald Coetzee10. Keshav Maharaj11. Lutho SipamlaIndia:1. Sanju Samson (wk)2. Abhishek Sharma3. Suryakumar Yadav (capt)4. Tilak Varma5. Hardik Pandya6. Rinku Singh7. Ramandeep Singh8. Axar Patel9. Arshdeep Singh10. Ravi Bishnoi11. Varun Chakravarthy

South Africa and India Face Off in Competitive T20I SeriesDespite fielding weakened teams, South Africa and India have engaged in a thrilling four-match T20I series that is poised for an exciting conclusion. The series has highlighted areas of concern for both sides, which they will aim to address in the remaining matches.South Africa's Wristspin WoesSouth Africa's batting has struggled against India's wristspinners, Ravi Bishnoi and Varun Chakravarthy. In 16 overs, they have conceded 91 runs and lost 12 wickets. This dominance echoes the impact of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal in India's 2017-18 ODI tour of South Africa.India's Batting Depth IssueIndia's batting has shown a lack of depth, with their scoring seemingly stopping at No. 7. In the first T20I, they managed only 40 runs in the last six overs, while in the second, they failed to capitalize on Sanju Samson's century. This issue could prove crucial in determining the outcome of the series.Players in the SpotlightDavid Miller, who has been dismissed twice by Varun, will be eager to improve his performance against the wristspinner. Abhishek Sharma, on the other hand, has struggled to convert his aggressive approach into consistent runs. India's team management will need to support him and help him develop into a more well-rounded player.Team News and Pitch ConditionsLutho Sipamla has joined South Africa's squad for the remaining matches, potentially replacing Andile Simelane or Nqaba Peter. India has no immediate solutions for their batting depth issue but may consider experimenting with their lineup.Centurion, the venue for the third and fourth T20Is, is known for its high-scoring matches. The steep bounce could also favor fast bowlers if the surface provides assistance.Stats and Trivia* Centurion has the highest batting average (33.25) among South African grounds that have hosted at least three T20Is since 2010.* Miller has the most catches (81) by a non-wicketkeeper in T20Is.* Varun has a chance to break the Indian record for most wickets in a bilateral T20I series (9).* Arshdeep Singh has taken the most wickets (89) among Full Member players since his debut in July 2022.

Neil McKenzie, a former South African batter, has been appointed as the consultant coach for the Sri Lankan cricket team ahead of their crucial two-match Test series against South Africa, commencing on November 27. McKenzie's appointment is a strategic move by Sri Lanka Cricket to gain valuable insights into the South African conditions and enhance their chances of success in the upcoming series.McKenzie, who played 58 Test matches for South Africa between 2000 and 2009, amassed over 3,253 runs, including five centuries and 16 fifties. His experience as an opening batsman, particularly his record-breaking 415-run partnership with Graeme Smith against Bangladesh in 2008, will be invaluable to the Sri Lankan team.Since retiring from international cricket, McKenzie has gained extensive coaching experience in various roles. He served as South Africa's batting consultant during the ICC World Test Championship series against the West Indies last year and was part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore setup in the Indian Premier League as a batting coach earlier this year.Sri Lanka's decision to appoint McKenzie as a consultant coach is part of their strategy to improve their performance in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle. Currently placed third in the points table, Sri Lanka is in contention for a spot in next year's WTC Final. The two-match Test series against South Africa will be their final away series in the current cycle, and a positive result could significantly boost their chances of qualifying for the final.McKenzie's appointment has been welcomed by Sri Lanka Cricket CEO Ashley De Silva, who believes his insights into the South African conditions will be crucial for the team's success. "McKenzie will bring in vital, in-depth insights about the South African conditions to help Sri Lankan players adapt to the challenge," De Silva said.The first Test match between Sri Lanka and South Africa will be played at Kingsmead in Durban from November 27, followed by the second Test at St. George's Oval in Port Elizabeth.

Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has advocated for the inclusion of Ramandeep Singh in the Indian team for the third T20I against South Africa. Uthappa believes that Ramandeep's all-round abilities, including his batting and bowling prowess, would bolster the team's lower order.India's batting lineup faltered in the second T20I, with the team struggling to post a competitive total. Uthappa identified the lack of solidity in the lower order as a key issue, suggesting that Ramandeep could provide stability at number 8."You need an all-rounder there (at number 8) is what I feel. You need someone who can bat and bowl. Whether that is a spinner or a fast bowler, other than Hardik Pandya I mean. It is what can fill that gap. Right now they don't have any, but they have Ramandeep on the wings, which is why I am saying - bring him on to play," Uthappa said.Ramandeep, who has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket, offers both batting and bowling options. He can provide a solid middle-order presence, while also contributing with his medium-pace bowling.In the second T20I, India's bowlers, led by Varun Chakravarthy's maiden five-wicket haul, restricted South Africa to a modest total of 128. However, the Proteas' lower order, anchored by Tristan Stubbs and Gerald Coetzee, guided the team to a three-wicket victory.The series is now level at 1-1, with the third T20I scheduled for Wednesday. Uthappa's suggestion to include Ramandeep could be a strategic move to address the team's lower-order woes and improve their chances of securing a series victory.

India's batting lineup faces a crucial test in the third T20I against South Africa at SuperSport Park on Wednesday, November 12, 2024. The team needs to regain its mojo after a disappointing performance in the second match, where they were restricted to 124 for six.The unfamiliarity of the venue, where India has played only one T20I in the past, adds to the challenge. The pitch is expected to be similar to the one at Gqeberha, which was quick and bouncy. This poses a significant hurdle for India's batters, who struggled against South Africa's pacers in the previous match.Abhishek Sharma, who has been in poor form, is under pressure to deliver. The team may consider giving Tilak Varma a chance to partner Sanju Samson at the top and bringing in Ramandeep Singh to add more power to the middle order.Senior batters like Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and Rinku Singh also need to step up. Yadav and Rinku have shown glimpses of their prowess, while Pandya's slow start in the second match was a concern.The pace attack, led by Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan, will be eager to make amends after a contrasting performance in the second game. Arshdeep's economy rate of 41 in the second match was a setback, while Khan's 28-ball struggle to find his first boundary raised questions about his form.However, the efforts of Varun Chakravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi in the previous match have been outstanding. The spinners will be looking to continue their good form and give India an advantage.South Africa, too, faces batting issues. Senior players like Aiden Markram, David Miller, and Heinrich Klaasen are yet to fire in the series. The Proteas will need their veterans to contribute more, especially against India's spinners.

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has expressed his disappointment over the underutilization of all-rounder Axar Patel in the first two T20I matches against South Africa. Despite playing Axar as the third spinner alongside Varun Chakravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi, the Indian team management has failed to utilize his skills effectively.In the second game of the series, Axar bowled just one over despite the pitch offering assistance to spinners. Manjrekar believes this was a glaring mistake by captain Suryakumar Yadav. "What are we doing with Axar Patel? Why are you playing him? Give a little clarity. Axar Patel, one over in Kingsmead, Durban, and here also just one over. On a pitch where six of the seven wickets were picked up by spinners, he bowled just one over," Manjrekar said.Manjrekar emphasized that Axar's underutilization is a waste of a valuable resource. "In my opinion, he is being underutilized as a resource. We are saying that you are playing three spinners, but you are unable to play them properly. I am not thinking much about the batting failure, but not bowling Axar Patel was an obvious mistake on Surya's part," he added.Akaash Chopra also highlighted the fact that Tristan Stubbs struggled against spinners, and a few more overs from Axar could have made a difference for India. "That was a thing that stood out here as Tristan Stubbs, who played well, wasn't able to pick length properly at the start. He was going back against full deliveries. He is a quality player and he showed in the end how and why, but Gerald Coetzee came as an out-of-syllabus question, and I feel he will get one-and-a-half to two crores extra in the auction because he also hit sixes," Chopra said.Despite Varun Chakravarthy's impressive five-wicket haul, South Africa managed to snatch a three-wicket victory, leveling the series at 1-1. The Proteas' victory halted India's 11-match winning streak, but it was not without its share of drama.India struggled to a modest total of 124 for six on a bouncy pitch, while South Africa collapsed to 66 for six and 86 for seven. However, Stubbs and Coetzee's valiant partnership of 42 runs for the eighth wicket guided South Africa to victory.

Varun Chakaravarthy's journey back to the Indian cricket team is a testament to his dedication and perseverance. After being dropped from the squad, Chakaravarthy went back to the drawing board and made significant changes to his bowling technique."I had to go to the drawing board and check out all my videos," Chakaravarthy said. "I figured out that I was bowling side spin, and it was not working out in the higher levels. So, I had to change everything about my bowling, and it took me two years and I started bowling in the local leagues and IPL also. So, it worked there, and I have started bowling it on the international stage and it's working out for me," he said exclusively on JioCinema after India's three-wicket loss to South Africa in the second T20I.Chakaravarthy's overhaul of his bowling technique involved a complete change in his action. He now bowls with a more upright stance and a higher release point, which has given him more control and accuracy."I had to change my whole action," Chakaravarthy said. "I had to change my run-up, my release point, and my grip. It took me a lot of time and effort, but I'm glad I did it."Chakaravarthy's hard work has paid off. He has been one of India's most consistent bowlers in recent months, and he played a key role in India's victory in the recent T20I series against South Africa."It's a great feeling to be back in the Indian team," Chakaravarthy said. "I'm just trying to do my best and help the team win."

Varun Chakaravarthy, the enigmatic spinner, has shed light on his three-year hiatus from international cricket, describing it as a "tough" period. He credits his return to form to the domestic grind and the clarity of role provided by new head coach Gautam Gambhir.In the second T20I against South Africa, the 33-year-old achieved career-best figures of 5 for 17. However, India suffered a three-wicket defeat in a low-scoring thriller."Definitely, the last three years were a little tough," Chakaravarthy said. "The only thing I could do was play lots of cricket. And I started playing a lot of the domestic league (TNPL) in India. And that definitely helped me understand my game better. And that's what helped me."As a member of the Kolkata Knight Riders, Chakaravarthy won the IPL title last season under the leadership of Gambhir, who was then appointed head coach of the Indian team. Chakaravarthy said Gambhir gave him guidance during the Bangladesh tour, helping him regain form."Yes, we played the Bangladesh tour and he was coaching the team. And definitely we spoke a lot and he gave me a lot of role clarity. He told me, even if you go for 30-40 runs, it doesn't matter. All you have to look is to pick wickets. So that's your role in the team. And yeah, the clarity which they gave definitely helped me."Chakaravarthy's remarkable spell helped reduce South Africa to 66 for 6 while they pursued a modest target of 125. However, a determined partnership between Tristan Stubbs (47) and Gerald Coetzee (19) guided the hosts home in 19 overs, ending India's 11-match winning streak.Chakaravarthy revealed that during the innings break, skipper Suryakumar Yadav urged the team to focus on giving their all without dwelling on the result. "During the innings break, Surya (skipper) came and told us that let's not think about the result and let's just go all out. And that's what we tried to do. We did our best and we could have pulled it off.""Obviously, the mindset has to be aggressive when the score is low. You have to pick wickets and that's when we can win the match. That has to be my approach in the next two games also because it's going to be a do-or-die match for us," he said.Performing well against a strong team like South Africa, according to Chakaravarthy, will give him confidence going into the remaining games. "Definitely, when we came to South Africa, we knew that it's going to be a challenging tour because the Proteas, they are one of the best teams right now and they have a powerful batting lineup.""Doing well against them definitely gives me motivation to do more better and definitely I can. Hopefully I can do well in the upcoming games."India will face South Africa in the third and final T20Is on Wednesday and Friday at Centurion and Johannesburg, respectively.

Tristan Stubbs' unbeaten 47 guided South Africa to a thrilling three-wicket victory over India in the second T20I at St George's Park in Gqeberha. The 22-year-old, who grew up in Knysna, admitted to being "proper nervous" but managed to control his breathing and shepherd his team home.Stubbs entered the crease with South Africa struggling at 33 for 2 in the sixth over. He watched as his side slipped to 66 for 6 in the 13th and 86 for 7 in the 16th. However, he found vital support from Gerald Coetzee, with whom he shared an unbroken 42-run stand for the ninth wicket off just 20 balls."Fortunately, the run rate never got away from us," Stubbs said. "Once we lost the wickets, I had 30 in mind off the last three and then G [Coetzee] really came and played an innings to help that out and then, fortunately, we got over the line."Stubbs praised the Indian spinners, Varun Chakravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi, who kept things tight and out-skilled the South African batters on a surface that was "typically staying low." However, he was pleased to stay till the end and take his side home."They both [Chakravarthy and Bishnoi] were doing just enough to beat you on either side," he said. "It wasn't easy to come in and just rotate even, let alone take them on. They are two of the best spinners in the world so when they are on, it's really tough and they got the better of us in the middle there by just outskilling us."Stubbs' performance has been a highlight of South Africa's recent resurgence in white-ball cricket. In February, he became just the 11th batter to score a first-class triple-century in South Africa. He has also racked up Test and ODI centuries in the last month and a bit.When asked about the maturity in his game, Stubbs said, "I don't actually know how to answer that. It's just been nice. I really enjoy the longer format because you can spend more time in the middle without feeling like you need to play a big ball and I really enjoy the graft of batting long.""I think the longer form cricket just naturally helps your T20 game and the batsmanship and spending time in the middle and not having to make a play really helps the rest of the formats. So I think that's been the biggest thing."