SA vs IND (Credits: BCCI)
SA vs IND (Credits: BCCI)

The three-match T20I series is set for a thrilling end following South Africa’s win over India in the second game. The Proteas had bounced back in style from the mauling in the series-opener to level the series.

Sent to bat, India came up with another scintillating batting display and posted a challenging score of 188 for 4 in the allotted 20 overs. Manish Pandey and MS Dhoni starred with the bat, scoring 79* and 52* not out.

However, the Proteas chased down the big total with ease to keep the series alive. Heinrich Klaasen blew away the tourists with the stunning assault that saw him hitting seven sixes and three fours en-route to his 30-ball 69. Skipper JP Duminy remained till the end, scoring 64 and hit two consecutive sixes to take his team home with two balls remaining.

With both the teams in good batting form, the series-decider in Cape Town on Saturday (February 24) is set to be a thrilling one.

So, here we are taking a look at the playing eleven which India could field to seal the series:

1. Rohit Sharma:

SA vs IND 2018: India's Predicted Eleven For The Series-Decider

Despite his constant failures, Rohit seems to be too big a name for the team management to drop him. Barring the one century in the ODIs, the right-handed batsman has cut a sorry figure throughout the tour. In the last match, he was dismissed for a golden duck. However, given his reputation, he is more than likely to retain his place in the playing eleven for the decider.

2. Shikhar Dhawan:

SA vs IND 2018: India's Predicted Eleven For The Series-Decider

The in-form southpaw was looking set to play another big innings in the last game. He had raced away to 24 off just 13 before being dismissed by JP Duminy against the run of play. He will be looking to end the tour on a bright note.

3. Suresh Raina:

SA vs IND 2018: India's Predicted Eleven For The Series-Decider

Suresh Rana had also got the start in Centurion but had failed to convert it. He was batting on 30 off 23 before being sent back by Andile Phehlukwayo. With the upcoming game being his last chance as of now to shine, the southpaw would be desperate to make a mark.

4. Virat Kohli (c):

SA vs IND 2018: India's Predicted Eleven For The Series-Decider

India’s captain fantastic has not quite managed to set the ongoing series on fire. The 29-year old, who had scored a staggering 558 runs in ODIs, has scored only 27 runs in the series so far. He will be looking to make the most of his recent form and lead India to another historic series win.

5. Manish Pandey:

SA vs IND 2018: India's Predicted Eleven For The Series-Decider

Manish Pandey finally managed to justify his spot in the team. Came out to bat when the team was reeling at 45 for 3 and stayed till the end to ensure the visitors post a daunting total. He scored 79 not out off 48 deliveries.

6. MS Dhoni (wk):

SA vs IND 2018: India's Predicted Eleven For The Series-Decider

The former India skipper once again proved his mettle with a solid batting display. Scored his second T20I fifty off just 27 balls and remained till the end to help the team finish the innings strongly.

7. Hardik Pandya:

SA vs IND 2018: India's Predicted Eleven For The Series-Decider

The all-rounder did not get a chance to bat in the game and had a poor outing with the ball like the rest of his teammates. The tour has been a forgettable one for Pandya so far, and he will be desperate to make a mark in the last game.

8. Kuldeep Yadav:

SA vs IND 2018: India's Predicted Eleven For The Series-Decider

The chinaman spinner missed out last game too. However, if he regains fitness, he is guaranteed to play in the upcoming game.

9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar:

SA vs IND 2018: India's Predicted Eleven For The Series-Decider

Bhuvneshwar was once again the pick of the bowlers for India. He conceded just a shade over six but failed to pick up any wicket which eventually hurt the team’s chances. Will be eyeing a better show in Cape Town.

10. Yuzvendra Chahal:

SA vs IND 2018: India's Predicted Eleven For The Series-Decider

The leg-spinner’s wretched run in the T20I series continued. After conceding 39 runs in the opener, he was hit for a record 64 runs in the second game. However, given his form in the ODI, he too is likely to be in the playing eleven for the must-win game.

11. Jasprit Bumrah:

SA vs IND 2018: India's Predicted Eleven For The Series-Decider

India’s limited-overs specialist had missed out the last game due to niggle but is likely to return for the series-decider at Cape Town.

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