Xtra Time Web Desk: Will on out of form Avesh Khan make way for either Arshdeep Singh or Umran Malik for the fourth T20I at Rajkot on Friday? Despite the comprehensive win by the Men in Blue in the 3rd T20I against Proteas at Vizag, the form of Avesh Khan seems to be a concern for the Indian team. The fast bowler from Madhya Pradesh has been off colour so far in the T20I series. He has been wicketless apart from being expensive in the first and third T20Is.
The big question is will Team India Head Coach Rahul Dravid prefer to tinker with the winning combination? Dravid, who is a firm believer of not making too many chopping and changes in a side might be influenced to make a change. Perhaps getting in either Arshdeep Singh or Umran Malik.
Arshdeep Singh looks to have an edge over Umran. He has earned big reputation for his death-overs bowling. Team India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey has been working with the Punjab pacer at the nets. As India are looking for a back-up in death-overs for the T20 World Cup, it will be important to give chance to Arshdeep Singh in the remaining two games.
The other option is Umran Malik but as Rahul Dravid feels he is not ready yet, the wait to make his India debut will be a little longer.
As far as batting is concerned, the team management will be relieved to see Ruturaj Gaikwad finally scoring some runs in the last T20I. Ishan Kishan too looked good in the series so far. Captain Rishabh Pant is due for a big score.
India Playing XI (likely): Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (C & WK), Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik, Axar Patel, Harshal Patel, Arshdeep Singh/ Avesh Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Yuzvendra Chahal