India Makes Key Change: Tilak Varma Takes Over for Sundar in Final ODI Against South Africa

India Makes Key Change: Tilak Varma Takes Over for Sundar in Final ODI Against South Africa

Post by : Mara Rahim

In a pivotal move for the deciding ODI against South Africa held in Visakhapatnam, India has decided to part ways with Washington Sundar, reintroducing Tilak Varma into the squad. Sundar, who played as a batting all-rounder, struggled significantly in previous matches, accumulating only 13 runs and 1 run in his innings while failing to claim a wicket in his seven overs. This prompted the management to replace him with Varma, who last played an ODI two years ago, also against South Africa, scoring a total of 68 runs in four matches with a highest score of 52.

South Africa adjusted their lineup too, bringing in Ryan Rickelton and Ottneil Baartman to substitute Nandre Burger and Tony de Zorzi, both sidelined due to injuries. As India faced a streak of 20 consecutive toss losses in ODIs, KL Rahul finally turned the tide by winning the toss and opted to bowl. With training conducted under lights revealing that dew set in later, Rahul believed starting with bowling would allow the team to adapt effectively, citing feedback from coaching staff about the dew factor not being as prominent as in previous matches.

The selected Indian XI for this crucial face-off includes Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tilak Varma, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, and Prasidh Krishna. In contrast, South Africa fields Ryan Rickelton, Quinton de Kock, Temba Bavuma, Matthew Breetzke, Aiden Markram, Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, and Ottneil Baartman. This match is set to be a crucial encounter as both teams strive for a strong finish in the series, with India aiming to enhance their bowling strength and South Africa seeking to combat their injury challenges.

Dec. 6, 2025 3:26 p.m. 666
#Global News #World News #Sports News
Upcoming SMILE Mission Exposes Weakness in Europe's Solar Storm Warning Systems
May 16, 2026 6:03 p.m.
The SMILE mission's launch in 2026 underscores Europe's reliance on outdated solar storm monitoring technology.
Read More
Israel Announces the Death of Hamas Command Leader Izz al-Din al-Haddad in Gaza Raid
May 16, 2026 5:41 p.m.
Israel has confirmed the death of a top Hamas military commander in a recent airstrike in Gaza, escalating tensions in the region.
Read More
SpaceX Moves Faster Toward Historic Stock Market Debut
May 16, 2026 5:41 p.m.
SpaceX is accelerating its IPO plans with a possible Nasdaq listing in June, drawing huge attention from global investors
Read More
ESA-China SMILE Mission Exposes Space Policy Disparities
May 16, 2026 5:27 p.m.
The ESA-China SMILE mission reveals deep divides in Western space collaboration policies regarding China.
Read More
Tragic Collision in Bangkok: 8 Lives Lost, Over 20 Hurt
May 16, 2026 5:05 p.m.
A devastating train-bus collision in Bangkok claims 8 lives and injures over 20 on Saturday, prompting urgent rescue efforts.
Read More
Pioneering Efforts in Hantavirus Treatment and Vaccine Development
May 16, 2026 4:59 p.m.
Global researchers are advancing in the quest for effective treatments and vaccines against the elusive hantavirus, a rare yet serious disease.
Read More
Taiwan's Cautious Reply to Trump's Independence Alert
May 16, 2026 4:53 p.m.
Taiwan carefully addressed Trump's warning against formal independence in remarks that echo across Asia.
Read More
Dubai Chambers Engages with Montenegro on Investment Expansion
May 16, 2026 4:43 p.m.
Dubai Chambers and Montenegro seek to enhance business ties and explore new investment avenues between both regions.
Read More
New Amrit Bharat Express to Connect Punjab and Bengal
May 16, 2026 4:41 p.m.
The upcoming Amrit Bharat Express will enhance rail travel between Punjab, Bihar, UP, and West Bengal.
Read More
Sponsored
Trending News