Samson Replaces Injured Gill as India Face South Africa in Series-Deciding 5th T20I
South Africa elect to bowl in decisive 5th T20I as India bring in Samson for injured Gill, Bumrah and Washington.
India made three changes to their playing eleven for the fifth and final T20I against South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Sanju Samson replaced the injured Shubman Gill, while Jasprit Bumrah and Washington Sundar returned to the squad, with South Africa winning the toss and choosing to bowl first.
Gill sustained a right-foot impact injury while batting in the nets on December 16 in Lucknow and was unavailable for selection. Sundar comes in for Kuldeep Yadav, while Bumrah replaces Harshit Rana, marking his return at his home venue. India currently lead the five-match series 2-1, with the fourth T20I abandoned due to heavy fog in Lucknow.
India skipper Suryakumar Yadav expressed optimism about the match, saying, “The wicket looks good, there won’t be dew, and we want to put runs on the board. The series is on the line, but it’s about expressing yourself and enjoying the game.” The team looks to consolidate their lead and secure the series.
Also Read: BCCI Criticised as Smog Halts India–South Africa T20I in Lucknow
South Africa captain Aiden Markram made one change with left-arm spinner George Linde replacing pacer Anrich Nortje. He highlighted the importance of the contest, stating, “There’s everything to play for. Focus is on the World Cup, and we aim to finish the tour on a positive note.”
The pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium features short square boundaries of 63m and 65m and a straight boundary of 71m. The black soil track appears dry yet firm, with visible cracks suggesting possible assistance for spinners during the game.
India: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Washington Sundar, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh.
South Africa: Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram (captain), Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Lungi Ngidi, Ottniel Baartman.
Also Read: Pressure Mounts on Suryakumar Yadav as India Target Series Win Over South Africa
