Why Anrich Nortje is Not Playing Today IND vs SA 5th T20I?

The famous Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is hosting India and South Africa in the fifth T20I match and the stage for the series finale. India now leads the series, 2-1, with one game remaining and a chance for a South African comeback. Due to extreme fog in the fourth T20I game between India and South Africa in Lucknow, the game was called off. Both teams will be looking forward to putting on a great game in the final match of the series, where both teams have made some changes to their playing XI, like Anrich Nortje not playing this 5th T20I.

Why Anrich Nortje is Not Playing Today?

Aiden Markram won the toss and elected to bowl first. After winning the toss, Markram noted that South Africa will play several matches on the pitch during the upcoming T20 World Cup in 2026, and the pitch looks good for batting. However, going into the last T20I game in the series, South Africa has made one significant change in the bowling unit. South Africa has called up George Linde in place of Anrich Nortje. The reason why Anrich Nortje is not playing today remains unknown, which could be due to a team combination or giving him rest.

The squad decided that a different lineup would be more appropriate for the surface and game circumstances, hence Nortje is not playing. Anrich Nortje made his debut in 2019 and quickly established himself as a key pace bowler. In 44 Twenty20 International appearances, he has taken over 50 wickets at an average of 20.20. Nortje is still an essential component of South Africa's T20 team because of his reputation for bowling quickly and delivering in the last overs. However, as the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is getting near, South Africa will need Anrich Nortje fit for the tournament against some of the best cricket teams in the world, as they missed out on winning the trophy against India in the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies.

South Africa Aims to Get Upper Hand Against India

In contrast, South Africa has been inconsistent in the Twenty20 Internationals, especially when it comes to the bat. They have a chance to salvage a series tie in Friday's match, which would be a decent result on a difficult tour. Marco Jansen, whose aggressive batting throughout the ODI series stood out, will be expected to contribute more.

Although Ottneil Baartman and Lungi Ngidi have been successful with the ball, South Africa's batting order is still unclear. Reeza Hendricks, who has struggled for runs, may be replaced in the top order by Aiden Markram, while Dewald Brevis will be under fire following his lackluster performances thus far.

The visitors, who bat deep and have significant power throughout the order, could benefit from batting-friendly conditions in Ahmedabad. They would like a surface that allows more free stroke play after getting outplayed in Dharamshala. India and South Africa have played 34 T20 internationals, with India winning 20 and holding a substantial edge. South Africa has 13 victories, frequently pushing India hard in close battles, with one match ending in a no result.