The ongoing 3-match ODI series between India and South Africa stands level at 1-1, making the upcoming 3rd ODI IND vs SA a high-stakes final. India claimed a strong win in the first match, but South Africa shocked everyone in the second ODI by chasing down a massive 358-run target, registering one of their biggest overseas chases.

With the series on the line, India are expected to make significant changes in their playing XI. The management is likely reviewing the mistakes made in the second ODI, especially in batting depth and bowling execution.

Why Team India Might Change the Playing XI

India’s defeat in the second ODI highlighted three major issues:

1. Weak opening partnership
2. Middle-order collapse under pressure
3. Ineffective bowling and poor death overs

To fix these errors before the decider, the Indian team is likely to alter the combination for the final clash.

3rd ODI IND vs SA: Opening Combination – Will Yashasvi Jaiswal Be Dropped?

Rohit Sharma looked in good touch but didn’t convert his start in the last match.
However, Yashasvi Jaiswal failed in both ODIs, unable to provide a solid start.

Possible change:

• Rohit Sharma (confirmed)
• KL Rahul may be promoted as the second opener

Rahul has opened before and has proven success at the top.

Middle Order – Who Comes In?

If KL Rahul opens, the middle-order slot opens up. In that scenario, Tilak Varma may finally get his opportunity.

Likely Middle Order Setup

• Virat Kohli (No. 3 – two consecutive centuries, locked spot)
• Ruturaj Gaikwad (No. 4 – cemented after a brilliant hundred)
• Tilak Varma (No. 5 – potential match-winner waiting for a chance)

Rishabh Pant is another option, but since Rahul will keep wickets, Pant’s chances reduce.

Also read: South Africa vs India Cricket Tickets Price, Booking Guide, Venues & Full Matchday Information

All-Rounder Section – Will Washington Sundar Be Dropped?

Washington Sundar struggled with both bat and ball in the second ODI, making him a likely exclusion for the decider.
His replacement could be Nitish Kumar Reddy, who offers balanced contributions with both disciplines.

Bowling Attack – Who Stays, Who Gets Benched?

The Visakhapatnam pitch is expected to offer help for both pacers and spinners.

Likely Bowling Combination

• Arshdeep Singh (new-ball swing)
• Kuldeep Yadav (middle overs wicket-taker)
• Harshit Rana (pace and aggression)
• Prasidh Krishna (though out of form, may get one final chance)

With Yashasvi Jaiswal and Washington Sundar likely to be dropped, India’s XI gains more balance.

South Africa’s Likely Playing XI for 3rd ODI IND vs SA

South Africa are expected to go with the same winning combination unless Tony de Zorzi faces any injury concerns.

Also read: 2027 World Cup: Will Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma Play? The Big Question India Finally Answers

India’s Predicted Playing XI for 3rd ODI IND vs SA

1. Rohit Sharma
2. KL Rahul (WK / Opener)
3. Virat Kohli
4. Ruturaj Gaikwad
5. Tilak Varma
6. Nitish Kumar Reddy
7. Ravindra Jadeja
8. Kuldeep Yadav
9. Arshdeep Singh
10. Prasidh Krishna
11. Harshit Rana