Surprise Player In; SKY To Drop Sanju Samson? India's Probable XI For 3rd T20I vs England
Samson hasn't lived up to the expectations in 2 T20Is [Source: AP]
After securing two consecutive victories, India are set to take on England in the third T20 International of the ongoing five-match series on home soil. Led by Suryakumar Yadav, India have already taken a crucial 2-0 lead in the series and would like to clinch the trophy by winning the third game on the trot.
Will India Drop Sanju Samson For 3rd T20I?
However, despite two consecutive victories, India are concerned by the abysmal batting form of Sanju Samson and Suryakumar Yadav. While Surya, being the captain of the team, is all set to play this match, Samson's place is under question following two consecutive failures against the tourists.
Statistically, Samson has managed only 31 runs at a poor strike rate of 114.81 in this series. While his opening partner Abhishek Sharma has been prolific with the bat, Samson's struggles against raw pace and hard-length bowling have let India down twice in the series.
However, despite Samson struggling to get going, India won't likely drop him from the playing XI, as they don't have a quality backup opener in their T20I squad. Therefore, in all likelihood, India's top four will remain unchanged, with Samson, Abhishek, Suryakumar and Tilak Varma continuing as the specialist batters.
Shivam Dube To Replace Dhruv Jurel?
Swashbuckling batter Shivam Dube, who joined the side as a replacement for Nitish Kumar Reddy, could replace Dhruv Jurel in India's playing XI for the third T20I. Jurel hasn't had an outstanding T20 career, scoring only 459 runs at an average of 19.125. Therefore, Dube, who can be used as a spin-hitter in the middle overs, might pip the RR keeper-batter in the selection race.
Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar will likely continue as India's first-choice all-rounders, thanks to their impressive returns in the series.
In-Form Chakravarthy, Arshdeep To Play; Will India Drop Bishnoi?
Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakravarthy, India's primary weapons across three phases of the game, will lead their bowling attack. Meanwhile, Ravi Bishnoi, who has yet to get a wicket in the series, might make room for either Mohammed Shami or Harshit Rana.
India's Probable Playing XI For 3rd T20I vs England
Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Mohammed Shami/Harshit Rana