India vs South Africa 3rd T20I: Series in bag but Team India faces stern bowling test

Having sealed their first-ever series against South Africa at home, India can afford to rest a few of their key players but the hosts will be determined to put up a complete performance before they take the flight to Australia on October 6. Since their early exit from the T20 World Cup 12 months ago, the Indian batting has come a long way and looks formidable ahead of the next edition beginning later this month.

Majority of the batters remain the same from the UAE edition but it is the drastic change in approach which has made the difference. Heading into the ICC event, India's high-profile top-three have hit top form including K L Rahul who allayed concerns about his strike rate with a sublime effort on Sunday. Virat Kohli has batted a 140 plus strike rate since the Asia Cup that includes three 50s and a much-awaited hundred. Skipper Rohit has come up with impactful innings over the course of the six games at home against Australia and South Africa. Number four Suryakumar Yadav is in a league of his own and seems to be batting at a much higher level than his teammates, so much so that Rohit is contemplating to play him straight in the team's World Cup opener against Pakistan on October 23. If Suryakumar indeed is rested, then Shreyas Iyer is likely to take his place.

Rishabh Pant is yet to bat in the series and though Dinesh Karthik got seven balls in the second T20, he too would be hoping to get a hit in the middle. Jasprit Bumrah's absence has compounded India's bowling woes, especially in the death overs, but the team needs to find a way if the star pacer doesn't get fit in time for the ICC event. Deepak Chahar, who is among World Cup reserves, has been impressive with the new ball but question marks remain over