At Johannesburg’s New Wanderers Stadium on Thursday, December 14, India defeated South Africa by 106 runs in the third Twenty20 International to tie the series at one. Wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav scored a fifer on his birthday, but captain Suryakumar Yadav stole the show with the bat, hitting a century. But, concerns over India’s starting eleven were voiced prior to the game since a number of players in form were left off the roster.
Remarkably, the team management benched Ravi Bishnoi once more. Ravi Bishnoi had won nine wickets and was named player of the series in the previous Twenty20 international series against Australia. Ruturaj Gaikwad, the batter, was again left out of the starting eleven after finishing as the series’ top-run scorer against Australia.
Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir believed that a bowling combo with Kuldeep Yadav and Ravi Bishnoi would have been a fantastic attacking option.
Additionally, he said that he was taken aback by Bishnoi’s benching in the second straight game because, against South Africa’s batting, he would have been the best choice for getting wickets.
“Yes, Ravi Bishnoi is undoubtedly one of the quick bowlers. You have two wrist spinners: one on your left arm and one on your right. That would have been a really effective offensive move. The fact that they have stuck with the same playing XI surprises me a little. Who is the most likely player to get wickets during the powerplay? It needs to be your show-stopper.
Fast bowlers are ineffective against this style of batting lineup. And that too in circumstances similar to Johannesburg. It was really surprising that Bishnoi did not play there. It is not appropriate for you to win Player of the Series (laughs). “That’s the primary requirement for being removed,” Gautam Gambhir stated to Star Sports.
Recently, Ravi Bishnoi rose to the top of the T20I bowler rankings.
Notably, Bishnoi rose to the top of the T20I bowling rankings after his outstanding performance with the ball against Australia. Since making his T20I debut in 2022, the wrist-spinner has claimed 34 wickets at an average of 17.38 and an economy of 7.14 in 21 games. The bowler from Jodhpur beat Yuzvendra Chahal in the Twenty20 International team and is all but guaranteed a spot in the T20 World Cup in 2024.
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