As India prepares to face South Africa in the third and deciding ODI of the ongoing multi-format series, all eyes are on the Men in Blue and the lineup they might field in this crucial clash. With the series level at 1-1, the contest at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on December 6 promises high stakes and intense competition.

Series So Far

India began the series on a strong note with a win in the first ODI in Ranchi. However, South Africa bounced back in commanding fashion in the second ODI at Raipur, producing an all-round performance to draw level.

With momentum currently shifting between both sides, the third ODI becomes the ultimate decider, adding an extra layer of pressure and excitement.

Will India Make Changes for the Series Decider?

After India’s loss in the second ODI, discussions have intensified around potential changes in the playing XI. While most of the squad is expected to remain unchanged, one name stands out for a possible swap.

Prasidh Krishna Under Pressure

Pacer Prasidh Krishna struggled heavily in the second ODI, conceding 85 runs and failing to provide breakthroughs. His performance could open the door for Nitish Kumar Reddy, the dynamic all-rounder who has impressed with both bat and ball in domestic circuits.

Adding a seam-bowling all-rounder could offer India additional balance—crucial in deciders where depth and versatility matter.

India’s Predicted Playing XI for the 3rd ODI

Based on current form, team combinations, and conditions in Visakhapatnam, India may opt for the following lineup:

1. Yashasvi Jaiswal
2. Rohit Sharma (C)
3. Virat Kohli
4. Ruturaj Gaikwad
5. Washington Sundar
6. KL Rahul (WK)
7. Ravindra Jadeja
8. Nitish Kumar Reddy (likely replacement for Prasidh Krishna)
9. Harshit Rana
10. Kuldeep Yadav
11. Arshdeep Singh

Key Factors to Watch

1. Opening Pair Stability

Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal have the potential to give India an explosive start but will need to convert early momentum into a solid platform.

2. Middle-Order Resilience

Virat Kohli and KL Rahul remain central to India’s batting. Their form could dictate the pace and direction of the innings.

3. Bowling Comeback

With South Africa’s strong showing in the second ODI, the Indian bowling unit—especially the spinners—will need to bring their best to restrict the Proteas.

4. All-Round Impact

Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja could be crucial, offering both stability in the middle overs and depth in batting.

Conclusion

With the series in balance and the final ODI set to be a thriller, India’s team selection will play a decisive role. Whether India sticks to the core combination or brings in Nitish Kumar Reddy for a tactical tweak may determine the direction of the decider.

The Men in Blue will be looking to capitalize on home conditions, correct the mistakes from Raipur, and clinch the series with confidence.

Joe Root continues to redefine modern Test cricket. The England talisman, now the second-highest run-scorer in the format, is just 2,235 runs away from breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s all-time record for most Test runs. With his century against Australia in the second Ashes Test in Brisbane—his first Test hundred vs Australia in 12 years—the debate over whether Root can surpass Tendulkar has intensified.

However, even before he gets close to Sachin’s monumental benchmark, Root has already achieved several records that the Indian legend did not during his illustrious 24-year Test career. Here are three major Test records Root holds which Sachin never achieved:

🏏 1. Most Consecutive Tests With Fifty-Plus Scores

Consistency in the longest format is incredibly rare—and both players were masters of it.

• Sachin Tendulkar: Scored 50+ runs in 10 consecutive Tests (Dec 2009–Oct 2010).
• Joe Root: Broke the world record with 12 consecutive Tests scoring 50 or more (Oct 2016–Aug 2017).

Root’s run wasn’t just consistent—it was dominant. During this period, he was the world’s most prolific Test batter, showcasing reliability across home and away conditions.

🏏 2. A Century in Each Innings of a Test Match

Despite scoring 51 Test centuries, Sachin never managed a hundred in each innings of a Test—one of cricket’s rarest feats.

Joe Root, however, accomplished this milestone:

• 143 & 103 vs Sri Lanka, Lord’s (August 2024)

Scoring twin centuries requires flawless technique, stamina, and adaptability across changing pitch conditions—Root ticked all the boxes.

🏏 3. Most Catches in Test History (Non-Wicketkeeper)

Sachin Tendulkar finished with:

• 115 catches in 200 Tests.

Joe Root has transformed close-in fielding—especially at slip—into an art form and currently leads the all-time list:

• 213 catches, the highest in Test cricket’s history.

This record is a testament to Root’s impeccable reflexes, anticipation, and consistency over more than a decade.

🌟 Joe Root vs Sachin Tendulkar: A Legacy Comparison

While Root is closing in on Tendulkar’s record tally of 15,921 Test runs, the two batters belong to different eras, conditions, and team dynamics. What they share is rare: longevity, elite temperament, and unmatched impact.

Whether Root eventually becomes Test cricket’s highest run-scorer remains to be seen, but what’s clear is that he has already carved out a unique place in cricketing history—achieving feats even Sachin did not.

Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has reportedly not registered for the IPL 2026 player auction, making him unlikely to feature in the next edition of the league. The development comes as a surprise to many, given that Maxwell was expected to be one of the most sought-after names in the all-rounder category this season.

According to an ESPNCricinfo report, Maxwell’s name was missing from the list of 1,355 registered players, which includes marquee names such as Cameron Green, Venkatesh Iyer, Ravi Bishnoi, Liam Livingstone, and Jamie Smith. Despite modest performances in recent IPL seasons, Maxwell’s explosive batting and all-round value meant he was anticipated to attract strong interest from multiple franchises.

Maxwell Among Four Big Stars to Skip IPL Auction

Maxwell is one of four prominent players to withdraw from the IPL 2026 auction. The others include:

• Faf du Plessis – set to feature in the Pakistan Super League (PSL)
• Moeen Ali – also committed to the 11th edition of PSL
• Andre Russell – recently retired from IPL duties after being appointed Power Coach for Kolkata Knight Riders

The PSL’s schedule clashes with IPL 2026, explaining several overlapping withdrawals.

Punjab Kings Released Maxwell Ahead of IPL 2026

The Punjab Kings released Maxwell before the deadline last month. He was bought for ₹4.2 crore at the previous mega auction but struggled with injuries and form. His season was cut short due to a fitness issue, and Australian all-rounder Mitch Owen replaced him—later earning a retention spot with the franchise.

At 37, Maxwell’s long-term availability and fitness have been questioned, and his decision not to register may indicate a shift in his T20 career priorities.

Impact on the All-Rounder Market

Maxwell’s absence opens the door for several high-impact all-rounders who can now command higher bids. Players expected to benefit include:

• Cameron Green
• Liam Livingstone
• Delano Potgieter
• Sikandar Raza
• Jason Holder

With multiple franchises needing middle-order power hitters and spin-bowling options, prices in this category may spike.

Only Two Indians Register at the Highest Base Price

For IPL 2026, only two Indian players have registered at the ₹2 crore base price bracket among 45 players:

1. Venkatesh Iyer

• Released by Kolkata Knight Riders, who bought him for a massive ₹23.75 crore
• A proven IPL performer
• Expected to attract aggressive bidding
• KKR, with the largest purse, may attempt to reacquire him

2. Ravi Bishnoi

• Released by Lucknow Super Giants, who retained him previously for ₹11 crore
• Form particularly declined in recent seasons
• Seen as the top Indian spin option in this auction
• Likely suitors include Rajasthan Royals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Chennai Super Kings

What Maxwell’s Absence Means for IPL 2026

Maxwell skipping the auction could have multiple implications:

• Punjab Kings lose access to a proven match-winner
• All-rounder demand skyrockets
• Teams may shift strategies toward younger, long-term options
• Auction dynamics may shift as several international stars prioritize other leagues

If Maxwell decides to step away permanently, the IPL will lose one of its most electrifying entertainers, known for game-changing knocks and dynamic fielding.