Why is Aiden Markram Not Opening in IND vs SA 3rd ODI?

The ongoing South Africa Tour of India has reached a fascinating and thrilling point, as both teams are tied at 1-1 and will head into the final ODI with just dreams of winning it. India dominated the first ODI match and also scored a massive total in the second ODI, which was chased by South Africa, tying the series and making IND vs SA 3rd ODI a decider in Vishakapatnam. Fans everywhere are closely following the game and are curious to see how it unfolds, especially after India won the toss and chose to bowl.

The IND vs SA 3rd ODI lineup also surprised fans as Aiden Markram is not opening today. This decision has raised questions, and now the players are wondering why is Aiden Markram is not opening today despite the injury in the lineups. He showed all his skills to become one of the best ODI batsman in the world with his game in the second game of the series.

Why is Aiden Markram not opening today? Reason revealed

For fans who are wondering why Aiden Markram not opening today when they saw the revised South Africa playing XI for the IND vs SA 3rd ODI. The answer to this lay in the forced changes South Africa had to make before the match. Their two key players are suffering from injury and haven’t recovered, which has resulted in them being ruled out of the series. Nandre Burger and Tony de Zorzi were ruled out due to hamstring injuries in the 2nd ODI. De Zorzi looked good but was unable to continue after retiring hurt in Raipur and has now been ruled out.

With De Zorzi unavailable, South Africa had to reorganize the top order. Ryan Rickelton returned to the playing XI and was given the responsibility to open with Quinton de Kock. This adjustment is set to help the team maintain balance in the batting lineup. As a result, Aiden Markram was moved back to the middle order, where he usually plays an important role in stabilizing innings for the visitors, and that is why Aiden Markram did not open today.

IND vs SA 3rd ODI: Series Decider

The IND vs SA 3rd ODI is the decider with the ongoing series locked at 1-1. The deciding match began with KL Rahul breaking India’s curse of losing consecutive tosses in ODIs since the 2023 World Cup semifinal. With dew expected, India chose to bowl first to use the conditions later in the evening. India, winning the toss, made one change for the decider, replacing Washington Sundar with Tilak Varma after Sundar struggled to perform in the last two matches.

South Africa, on the other hand, made changes out of necessity. With Tony de Zorzi and Nandre Burger ruled out, Rickelton was allowed to open with de Kock in today's IND vs SA 3rd ODI match. Along with him, Temba Bavuma called Baartman to the playing XI. With these key adjustments, both teams will look to make an impact and win the tour with a win in the IND vs SA 3rd ODI.