Rajkot: India, riding high on momentum with a 2-0 lead in the five-match T20I series, will look to seal the series against England in the third T20I at the Niranjan Shah Stadium on Tuesday.
While the hosts, led by Suryakumar Yadav, are brimming with confidence, changes in the playing XI could add a strategic edge to their campaign.
Leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi, who has failed to pick a single wicket in the first two matches, might sit out this crucial encounter. Bishnoi, a proven performer for India, has not been at his best in this series, making way for experienced pacer Mohammad Shami, who has been part of the bench strength so far.
Another potential change could see all-rounder Shivam Dube replacing wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel. Dube, included in the squad in place of Nitish Kumar Reddy, brings balance with his ability to contribute with both bat and ball.
The Rajkot pitch, known for its batting-friendly nature, could play a pivotal role in the contest. With consistent bounce favouring stroke-makers, teams batting first have had the upper hand. However, the surface tends to slow down in the second innings, complicating run chases. Winning the toss is likely to be crucial, with captains expected to prefer batting first to set a challenging total.
The spotlight will also be on Sanju Samson, who has had a mixed run in the series so far. Samson managed just 5 off 7 balls in the second T20I, with his early dismissal leaving India at 19/2 in their chase of 166. Despite his recent struggles, the wicketkeeper-batsman remains a crucial cog in India’s batting line-up.
Samson, who has amassed 841 runs in 39 T20Is, is on the cusp of surpassing head coach Gautam Gambhir’s career tally of 932 runs in the shortest format. A big knock in Rajkot could not only boost India’s chances but also etch Samson’s name further into the record books.
Adding intrigue to Samson’s narrative are comments from his father, Viswanath, who recalled how Rahul Dravid intervened during Samson’s formative years when the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) allegedly sidelined him. Dravid, now a pivotal figure in Indian cricket, reportedly reassured Samson of his potential and urged him to rise above criticism.
In five T20Is played at this venue, teams batting first have won three matches, with the toss-winners emerging victorious on four occasions. The highest team score recorded here is 228, while the average first-innings score stands at 189, further underlining the advantage of batting first.
Head-to-head, India holds the upper hand in T20Is against England, with 15 wins out of 26 matches. England, with 11 victories, remains a competitive force, eager to stage a comeback.
With a high-scoring thriller on the cards, India will look to continue their dominance while England aims to stage a comeback. The inclusion of players like Shami and Dube could provide India with an edge, while Samson’s pursuit of form and milestones adds an extra layer of excitement to this highly anticipated clash.
