Ind Vs SA 3rd ODI: After a shattering loss in Raipur, team India is in a do-or-die situation in the must-win final ODI against South Africa. India is likely to drop a fast bowler and replace him with an all-rounder.
KL Rahul and co. were handed a humiliating 4-wicket defeat by the mighty Proteas in Ranchi. Team India failed to defend a mammoth 359-run target after centuries by Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad. The series is presently levelled at 1-1.
Who’s Likely to Sit Out?
According to media reports, team India bowler Prasidh Krishna is likely to be benched out. The Karnataka pacer was hammered for 85 runs in 8.2 runs. Krishna was no good in the first ODI of the series where he finished with disappointing figures of 1/48.
Krishna may be replaced by Nitish Kumar Reddy. The all-rounder will boost the batting depth of team India while also giving the team a third seam option. The 22-year-old is a prolific right hand batsman who bowls right arm medium fast. Reddy has represented many teams such as India, India A, Andhra India B Under-19s, and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Reddy came to prominence after he scored a triple century for Andhra in the 2017-18 Vijay Merchant Trophy. This was followed by a 345-ball 441 against Nagaland.
There is also a possibility that Washington Sundar who had not enjoyed a good series till now may get replaced along with Krishna. Rishabh Pant can replace Sundar, given the wicketkeeper batsman has more experience in batting in the ODI format.
When Will the Match Start?
Ind Vs SA 3rd ODI match will start at 1:30 pm IST on December 6, 2025, at Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam. Temba Bavuma-led South Africa will like to repeat their test heroics and win the ODI series as well. In contrast, KL Rahul-led team will be bolstered by the red-hot form of Virat Kohli and opener Rohit Sharma.
