New Delhi: India will look to play for pride when they take on South Africa in the third and final T20 match at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Thursday. After already having lost the series, India could still find themselves with a window of opportunity to beat the mighty Proteas.
After having being outplayed in the 2nd T20 match in Cuttack, the hosts will be hungry to go in for the upcoming ODI series with a victory. Momentum will be the key for MS Dhoni-led side and they need to pursue it.
MS Dhoni's experience blended with some changes could do well for India and the captain cool knows what it takes to get some shine back from top quality opposition.
Here are five reasons why India could manage to emerge victorious in Kolkata on Thursday.
Ajinkya Rahane could prove to be vital: Rahane was limited to the bench in the first two T20s and should fancy his chances in the dead rubber. A good show with the bat could mean curtains for Ambati Rayudu who failed successively.
Amit Mishra's variations on Eden track should do good: The leg-spinner was overlooked as youngster Axar Patel got the nod in both T20s and the latter looked ordinary. Mishra's inclusion this time could be a good move given his experience and also his variations and flight.
MS Dhoni could switch upwards: The Indian skipper could see himself bat up the order to bring some freshness in the line-up. His experience and ability to switch gears gives him ample time to play according to the situation.
Batsmen are due to go big: The duo of Shikhar Dhawan and Suresh Raina have failed to register runs and in Kolkata they would love to join the party. Against a good bowling line-up scoring big will be a challenge but these players know what they are capable of.
Pacers need to vary their attack: In the absence of key bowlers, the pace duo of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohit Sharma should go all out and bring a lot more variety. A good start associated with better death bowling should do the skipper some favour.
