Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has advocated for the inclusion of Ramandeep Singh in the Indian team for the third T20I against South Africa. Uthappa believes that Ramandeep’s all-round abilities, including his batting and bowling prowess, would bolster the team’s lower order.
India’s batting lineup faltered in the second T20I, with the team struggling to post a competitive total. Uthappa identified the lack of solidity in the lower order as a key issue, suggesting that Ramandeep could provide stability at number 8.
“You need an all-rounder there (at number 8) is what I feel. You need someone who can bat and bowl. Whether that is a spinner or a fast bowler, other than Hardik Pandya I mean. It is what can fill that gap. Right now they don’t have any, but they have Ramandeep on the wings, which is why I am saying – bring him on to play,” Uthappa said.
Ramandeep, who has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket, offers both batting and bowling options. He can provide a solid middle-order presence, while also contributing with his medium-pace bowling.
In the second T20I, India’s bowlers, led by Varun Chakravarthy’s maiden five-wicket haul, restricted South Africa to a modest total of 128. However, the Proteas’ lower order, anchored by Tristan Stubbs and Gerald Coetzee, guided the team to a three-wicket victory.
The series is now level at 1-1, with the third T20I scheduled for Wednesday. Uthappa’s suggestion to include Ramandeep could be a strategic move to address the team’s lower-order woes and improve their chances of securing a series victory.
