IND vs SA: Wasim Jaffer Believes Rishabh Pant-Led India Will Have The Advantage In The 5th T20I International
Published - 19 Jun 2022, 01:18 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:09 AM
Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer claims the hosts will have an advantage over the Proteas in the series-deciding deciding game after defeating the Temba Bavuma-led side in back-to-back games.
India will be favorites to win the series when they face South Africa in the 5th T20I at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium.
In the first two matches of the bilateral series, Bavuma-led South Africa beat India by 7 wickets (1st T20I) and four wickets (2nd T20I). Pant-led India stunned the Proteas by 48 runs (3rd T20I) and 82 runs (4th T20I) to level the series at 2-2. Former Indian opener Jaffer believes the hosts will have the advantage in the fifth T20I against the Proteas.
“India will have the advantage in Bangalore as both of their victories were by significant margins. South Africa must be cognitively bruised after losing so easily after having won the first 2 games. There are a few injury problems as well, with Bavuma and possibly Marco Jansen out, and Aiden Markram out, so I believe India has the dominant position in this game, “Jaffer told ESPNcricinfo.
‘I do not think India made any changes’: Wasim Jaffer
When asked about possible changes to India’s starting Xi, Wasim Jaffer stated that Deepak Hooda does have the ability to replace Shreyas Iyer even though the all-rounder batted at No. 3 in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022.
However, Wasim Jaffer stated that the hosts will not change their lineup for the series finale against the Proteas on Sunday.
“We expected some improvements after the first two failures, but India won’t make any, and I do not believe any will happen now that they have won 2 games.”
“If we had to pick a replacement for Shreyas Iyer, it could be Deepak Hooda, who batted at No. 3 in the IPL and was impactful. However, given the sequence that the Indian team is following, I believe we would see more consistency, ” Wasim Jaffer continued.
On Sunday, June 19, India and South Africa will square off in the fifth and final T20I in Bengaluru.
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