Former Indian cricketer Parthiv Patel believes that Avesh Khan will be replaced in the Indian team for the third T20I against South Africa in Visakhapatnam by left-arm pace bowler Arshdeep Singh.
The match conference by coach Dravid does not promise any confirming changes but India is happy to call Umran Malik and Arshdeep Singh and if the slightest chance is taken, Avesh will be swapping his position with Arshdeep Singh for the third T20I.
Cricketers including Parthiv Patel feel that the left-arm pacer should be brought in and the only replacement is Avesh Khan. Considering Avesh’s point of view, he has not done anything to get dropped tonight but will likely be targeted by the selectors as the other pacers play a major role in the game.
“Avesh Khan will likely be the bowler who will have to make way for Arshdeep. But, if you think about it, Avesh Khan has not done anything that should get him dropped. Sometimes, the low-hanging fruit is targeted once a team loses a match,” Parthiv said on Cricbuzz.
“Every player in the squad deserves their place, they have played good cricket to get here. Arshdeep is a good option since he gives you variety as a left-arm bowler. You will get two specialist death bowlers at death in Harshal Patel and Arshdeep Singh. It will be easier for the captain as well. He can give more overs to Axar and Chahal in the middle overs,” he added.
The Rishabh Pant-led side is on the verge of a series defeat after suffering back-to-back defeats in the first two games and is in a must-win situation if they are to come from behind to win the five-match series.
