The five-match T20I series between India and South Africa has not started well for the ‘Men in Blue’. After posting a massive total of 211 runs in the first match, the hosts failed to defend as Proteas pulled off a record run chase. 

India scored 148/6 in the second T20I, and despite Bhuvneshwar Kumar securing a solid start with the ball for the home team, Henrich Klaasen hammered 81 off 46 balls to ensure South Africa's victory.

One of the main causes for these defeats is India's bowling department's failure to perform to expectations. Except for Bhuvneshwar Kumar, no other Indian bowler has made an impact in the series. This is particularly true in the case of Akshar Patel and Avesh Khan. Both of them have gone wicketless in both matches.

In an interaction with Star Sports, former India all-rounder Sanjay Bangar said that Arshdeep Singh may be the ideal option in the opening six overs instead of Avesh.

"We have a lot of options for the first six overs, so we can try out Arshdeep in place of Avesh Khan," he said.

Akshar has been leaking runs at an alarming rate. In the first game, he went for 40 runs in four overs, while in the second T20I, the left-arm spinner only bowled one over and gave away 19 runs.

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Bangar believes Ravi Bishnoi should replace him in the middle overs so that two wrist spinners can bowl in tandem.

"Who can be played in place of Axar Patel? One option can be to play Bishnoi. If two wrist-spinners can give wickets to the Indian team in the middle overs, then they can break the momentum slightly," said the former India batting coach.

The third T20I will be played at the ACA-VDCA cricket stadium in Vishakapatnam on Tuesday (June 14) and that will be a must-win game for Rishabh Pant-led side.

(STAR SPORTS INPUTS)