Xtra Time Web Desk: Will Umran Malik or Arshdeep Singh make debut in the 2nd T20I at Cuttack? There is a big possibility in either of them making their T20 debut for the country against South Africa in the 2nd T20I at Barabati stadium in Cuttack on Sunday. The axe might fall on Harshal Patel who gave away 22 runs in the 16th over, which tilted the momentum in Proteas favour.
But the only question is Team India Head Coach is a firm believer of giving an individual a longer rope. He is not in favour of too many chopping and changing. If Harshal does gets dropped then either Umran or Arshdeep will make their debut for India.
India’s bowlers were smashed to all parts of the ground by Proteas batters Van der Dussen and David Miller. All the three Indian pacers – Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel, and Avesh Khan failed to restrict the onslaught by Miller and Rassie van der Dussen.
Harshal had a rare off day as he was smashed for 43 runs in his four overs. Avesh also could have an impact on the game as gave away 35 runs in 4 overs. There were also reports that the medium pacer might be carrying a niggle. He did report to the Indian camp a day after everyone joined. He missed the first practice session in Delhi as he along with Hardik Pandya and Yuzuvendra Chahal was given an extra day off.
Batting wise India will not tinker much as the hosts fired on cylinders with contributions from Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant, and Shreyas Iyer.
India Playing XI (Likely) : Ishan Kishan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik, Umran Malik/Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Avesh Khan, Axar Patel.