India emerged victorious in the 3rd and final T20 International of the gripping series against South Africa, held in the iconic city of Johannesburg. This high-stakes encounter unfolded as a riveting spectacle, encapsulating the essence of T20 cricket and setting the stage for an unforgettable clash between two cricketing powerhouses.
The series kicked off with the first T20I being interrupted by the unpredictable elements as rain played spoilsport in Durban. However, South Africa clinched the second game, putting India in a position where winning the third game became imperative to level the series. The early stages of the final showdown witnessed an aggressive start from Indian openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, reaching 29-0 in just 2.1 overs.
Despite the promising start, India faced a sudden setback, losing two quick wickets in the form of Shubman Gill and Tilak Varma. Although Gill’s LBW decision was not out, the rapid fall of wickets raised the stakes for India. This set the stage for a remarkable partnership between the Indian captain, Suryakumar Yadav, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, injecting life into the Indian innings,
At a juncture where the game hung in the balance, Suryakumar Yadav exhibited a blend of patience and explosive batting. Uncharacteristically slow in the beginning, with 21 runs off 20 balls, Yadav shifted gears dramatically. His innings unfolded as a masterclass, scoring a sensational century with 100 runs from just 56 balls, including 7 fours and 8 sixes. The audacious shots played by Yadav showcased his ability to dominate the field with a 360-degree approach, ultimately propelling India to a commanding total of 201-7 in the allotted 20 overs.
With the bat setting the tone, India’s bowling unit displayed remarkable performance in dismantling the South African lineup. The Proteas crumbled under the pressure, getting all-out for a mere 106 runs in 13.5 overs. A standout performer was Kuldeep Yadav, who delivered a stellar performance, securing a five-wicket haul and leaving an indelible mark on the series.
However, a notable absence raised eyebrows: Ravi Bishnoi, the top-ranked T20 bowler, was conspicuously missing from the lineup. Gambhir, the former cricketer, expressed surprise at Bishnoi’s omission, highlighting the leg-spinner’s recent achievements. Bishnoi’s stellar performance in the series against Australia, where he claimed nine wickets with an impressive economy rate and average, made his absence in the crucial encounter a topic of discussion.
Gautam Gambhir Hilariously Reveals The Reason For Ravi Bishnoi’s Snub
Gambhir, in his characteristic style, injected a touch of humor into the analysis. He emphasized the importance of leg-spinners, especially in the powerplay, and questioned the decision to exclude Bishnoi. Considering the formidable batting lineup of South Africa and the challenging conditions in Johannesburg, Gambhir expressed surprise at the team management’s decision.
In a lighthearted comment, Gambhir playfully remarked, “Who is your best bet to take wickets in the powerplay? It has to be your leg-spinner. It can’t be fast bowlers against this kind of batting line-up. And that also in conditions like Johannesburg. Definitely a bit of surprise there with Bishnoi not playing. You should never become the Player of the Series (laughs). That’s the first criteria for getting dropped.”
India’s resounding victory in the 3rd T20I against South Africa not only leveled the series but also showcased the team’s ability to overcome challenges and deliver under pressure. The performance of individual players, notably Suryakumar Yadav and Kuldeep Yadav, adds to India’s depth and versatility in T20 cricket.
