Team India will be eyeing a rare feat which no other team in the history of cricket has managed to achieve. The 5th T20I might be a dead-rubber in the context of the series but that match still holds lots of significance in many other ways for both the teams.
Sanju Samson likely to open again
The hero of the 3rd T20I who hit 2 sixes in 2 balls in the super over to steal the series for India, Rohit Sharma was rested in the 4th T20I and the skipper gave the young and fearless wicket-keeper Sanju Samson a much-deserved chance. But Sanju Samson disappointed everyone with his ultra aggressive approach as he perished trying for too many glory shots. But with just one such inning, the team management surely cannot throw him out of the playing XI.
Another game for Washington Sundar
The Tamil Nadu all-rounder had a day to forget in the 4th T20I. He missed a golden opportunity to score runs with the bat where he could have made a massive impact. He didn’t shine with the ball either as he was thrashed apart by the likes of Seifert and Munro where he gave 24 runs in just 2 overs. The bowling all-rounder has a solid record in the power play with the ball which could go in his favour.
Hitman to return
Team India skipper Virat Kohli might take a rest in the 5th game and his deputy Rohit might lead the team in Virat’s absence. The pace spearhead Bumrah might get the much-needed rest ahead of the important ODI series which would mean that Mohammad Shami to return to lead the pace attack after being rested in the 4th game. There is also a possibility that India’s designated wicketkeeper KL Rahul might be rested to give Pant an opportunity.
Predicted XI
1. Rohit Sharma(captain)
2. Sanju Samson
3. Shreyas Iyer
4. Rishabh Pant
5. Shivam Dube
6. Manish Pandey
7. Washington Sundar
8. Shardul Thakur
9. Kuldeep Yadav
10. Mohammad Shami
11. Navdeep Saini