Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer on Saturday (19th June) backed Team India to win the series decider against South Africa in Bengaluru. He feels that the visitors must be mentally hurt after the losses in the last two games, which gives the hosts the upper hand.
India made a staggering comeback in the ongoing T20I series against South Africa. After being thumped in the first two games, they bounced back and defeated the visitors to level the series 2-2.
Rishabh Pant-led side displayed poor performances with both bat and ball in the first two games. However, they came together collectively and stood up both bat and ball to win the third and fourth games by 48 and 82 runs respectively.
With the series being leveled at 2-2, the series decider is set to take place on Sunday (19th June) in Bengaluru. Heading into the game, India would be the favorites to win the game, considering the home conditions and injuries in the South Africa camp.
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Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Wasim Jaffer said that India will have the upper hand in the final game against South Africa in Bengaluru. He believes that the visitors must be mentally hurt and with them having many injury concerns the hosts have a fair chance to win the series.
"India will have the upper hand in Bangalore because both their wins have been on big margins. South Africa must be mentally hurt that they lost so easily after winning the first two matches. There are some injury concerns as well with Bavuma and perhaps Marco Jansen being injured, Aiden Markram has also gone so I feel India has the upper hand for this match," Wasim Jaffer said.
Jaffer said although he doesn’t see India making any changes for the final game, bringing Deepak Hooda in place of Shreyas Iyer at No.3 can be ideal.
"We were expecting some changes after the first two losses but India didn't make any change so I don't think any change will happen when they have won two matches. If we have to throw a name in the hat, it could be Deepak Hooda for Shreyas Iyer because he batted at No. 3 in the IPL as well and was successful as well. But the pattern the Indian team is playing in, I think we will see more continuity," he said.
(ESPNCricinfo inputs)
