After a heartbreaking loss against South Africa in the opening T20I match at New Delhi, the Rishabh Pant-led India could spring in a few changes in their playing XI for the game at the iconic Barabati Stadium in Cuttack.
Though Harshal Patel is known for his variations as a T20 bowler, the medium pacer did not live up to the billing in Delhi as he was hit all round the park for 43 runs in his four overs. The expensive spell eventually hurt the side.
Harshal is also carrying a niggle. It is most likely that he will make way either for pace sensation Umran Malik or Indian Premier League (IPL) revelation Arshdeep Singh. Both Umran and Arshdeep are in line for a debut in the crucial game. While Umran can clock over 150 kmph consistently, Arshdeep with his variations and lethal yorkers is an asset in the death overs.
In another likely change, Axar Patel – who was also expensive in Delhi – may sit out and make way for Ravi Bishnoi. The leg spinner can get the ball spin away from Quinton de Kock, David Miller with his effective googlies and this would be a strategic move for the hosts.
India will try their best to level the series 1-1 at Cuttack to avert unnecessary pressure mounting on them ahead of other games.
India’s predicted XI: Ishan Kishan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik, Umran Malik/Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Bhuveshwar Kumar, Avesh Khan, Ravi Bishnoi.