India vs South Africa 5th T20I Match: India made multiple changes for the fifth and final T20I match against South Africa at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday. Having already taken a 2-1 lead, India stepped up with an aim to produce another impressive performance and bag the five-match series.

India took the field without their star batter and vice-captain, Shubman Gill. While skipper Suryakumar Yadav mentioned Gill's absence from India's playing XI, the BCCI provided an official update on him as well. South Africa won the toss and opted to field first.

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"Shubman Gill sustained an impact injury to his right foot while batting in the nets on 16th December in Lucknow. After consulting a specialist and getting treatment with the BCCI medical team, he is improving but will be unavailable for selection for the final T20I in Ahmedabad," the BCCI said.

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Notably, Sanju Samson replaced Gill in the playing XI. On the other hand, Jasprit Bumrah made his comeback in the playing XI along with Washington Sundar. "We were looking to bat first. The wicket looks good, there won't be dew, and we want to put the runs on the board. It almost feels full. Let's see what we want from this game. Yes, the series is on the line, but it is about expressing yourself and enjoying the game. Bumrah comes in for Harshit, Washi comes in for Kuldeep and Gill picked up a niggle in Lucknow, so Sanju comes in," Suryakumar said.

The Proteas also witnessed a change in their lineup as George Linde came in for senior pacer Anrich Nortje. "We are going to bowl first. The wicket looks quite dewy, probably some dew later on, and the ball comes on better. There's everything to play for, focus is on the World Cup, and we have quite a few games here. Quite a few good signs with the ball in hand, looking to finish the tour on a positive note. Linde comes in for Nortje," South Africa captain Markram said.


IND vs SA 5th T20I Playing XIs

India: Suryakumar Yadav (Captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma(w), Washington Sundar, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh

South Africa: Aiden Markram (Captain), Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Lungi Ngidi, Ottneil Baartman