India vs South Africa: Rahane, Binny Slog it Out at Team India Practice
India in all likelihood, will bringing in Ajinkya Rahane in place of struggling Ambati Rayudu, who has flopped in the first two Twenty20 game against the Proteas.
Having warmed the benches in India's two back-to-back defeats, Ajinkya Rahane and Stuart Binny may get a look-in for the third and final T20 match at the Eden Gardens as the two players slogged it out at India's practice session ahead of the dead rubber. (India vs South Africa: Chance for Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Co. To Restore Lost Pride at Eden Gardens)
Though it's difficult to infer the the team composition from the batting order at Eden Gardens nets, it was however striking to see Binny starting the proceedings at the practice session alongside Suresh Raina. (South Africa And Their Love Affair With Eden Gardens)
The all-rounder also slogged it out while bowling his medium pacers to the Indian batsmen, hinting that skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni may be contemplating the option to bring him in to bolster the batting down the order.
After facing flak for ignoring Rahane, Dhoni it seems may also give a chance to the specialist T20 batsman in place of Ambati Rayudu, who has failed in both the matches, getting out for ducks.
"Rahane is a quality player and there is no doubt about it. All depends on the team management as to what they feel will be the best team combination to win the game and going forward. Let's see what they decide," Harbhajan Singh said.
Bringing the Rajasthan Royals opener at No 1 is an option but in that case, will Dhoni risk to rest Rohit Sharma at a venue where he had scored the ODI record 264 will be interesting to see.
Shikhar Dhawan in any case is yet to convert his starts and was run-out in Dharamsala as the left-hander will look forward to get back among the runs before the ODIs begins.
South Africa were the first to train at the Eden, in the morning session as they were conspicuous by the absence of their ace batsman AB de Villiers.
"It's an optional practice today. Some players have taken a day off. It's been a long week. We have had some intense game, a lot of practice and travelling. I hope AB does play. We will see tomorrow," South African batsman David Miller said.
Having sealed the series 2-0 after their six-wicket win in Cuttack, South Africa will be eyeing a clean sweep as India will look to play for pride in the final match of the shortest edition. (India vs South Africa: Sachin Tendulkar Urges Fans To Show Maturity After Cuttack Incident)
Five-match ODI series beginning in Kanpur on October 11 and four Tests follow the T20Is