One change India should make for the third Test against South Africa

The third Test between India and South Africa will be played at the JSCA International stadium in Ranchi from Saturday. 

India have already sealed the series by winning the first two Tests comprehensively. With this series win, India became the first ever team to win 11 consecutive Test series at home. 

They broke the record held by Australia who achieved the feat of winning ten consecutive Test series on the home soil twice in their cricketing history.

Shubman Gill should get a look in

With series already in the bag, India can afford to make a few experiments for the final Test. Hence, they could try Shubman Gill in place of Mohammad Shami. The Indian fast bowler has been playing non-stop cricket since the World Cup. It will be a wise decision if the pacer is given the much-needed rest ahead of the next assignment.

A pertinent question arises here of why should Gill be picked ahead of Vihari who did exceedingly well during India's tour of West Indies. Yes, it might be harsh on the young Andhra-lad who is trying to establish himself in the Indian side, but it is a good opportunity for India to prepare enough back up for the tough overseas tours that are scheduled towards the later half of the ICC Test Championship.

Vihari has already proved his worth in the side by performing whenever the opportunity was thrown at him. On the other hand, the young Shubman who is already hitting the headlines with some strong domestic performances, deserves a chance in the national side. The 20-year old right-handed batsman recently scored a double century in first-class cricket against West Indies A.

He has also scored a couple of ninety plus scores in the recently concluded unofficial Test series between India A and South Africa A. With India dominating the series, it will be apt to draft in the youngster into the side for the Ranchi Test. Though he might not get a regular chance, this will help to groom him as a wonderful prospect for India in Test cricket.

India are likely to go with an unchanged XI for the final game but it will be worth a gamble if they can include the youngster to their playing XI. 

If India are not willing to make this move, then they might not get another opportunity to experiment with their playing XI.

Cover image credits: Times of India