IND vs NZ: Team India will try to win another bilateral series in the smallest format when they face New Zealand in the third T20I in Ahmedabad on Wednesday.
So far in the series of Ind vs Nz, the Men in Blue have been stretched to their breaking point. Despite losing the first game by 21 runs due to a batting collapse. They had to fight hard for their six-wicket triumph in the second T20I while trailing by only 100 runs.
Hardik Pandya and the company would aim to maintain their bilateral performance. And They are reluctant to make significant changes to their team.
India’s squad for the 3rd T20I against New Zealand: Hardik Pandya (captain), Suryakumar Yadav (vice-captain), Ishan Kishan (wk), Shubman Gill, Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik, Shivam Mavi, Prithvi Shaw
The following is India’s expected starting lineup for the third T20I against New Zealand.
Openers: Ishan Kishan (wk), Shubman Gill:
India’s starting duo has struggled in the T20I category recently. Both Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill are under obligation to perform. While there is an argument to be made for bringing back Prithvi Shaw. The two should maintain their positions at the top of the lineup.
Middle Order: Rahul Tripathi, Suryakumar Yadav, Deepak Hooda:
Rahul Tripathi has been unable to score in three out of the four T20Is he has played so far. He sorely requires an enormous score. The No. 3 batsman is one to keep an eye on in Ahmedabad.
Suryakumar Yadav is a powerful middle-order batsman for India, and he will be key against Mitchell Santner. The world’s top T20I hitter intends to keep his hot streak continuing.
Deepak Hooda has struggled to adapt to his lower-level job, which is understandable. He should preferably bat in the top five. But now that Hardik Pandya prefers to handle everything himself. He may have to settle for a few deliveries to confront and a few overs to bowl.
All-rounders: Hardik Pandya (c), Washington Sundar:
Hardik threw his four overs in the second T20I, while Arshdeep Singh and Shivam Mavi were utilized infrequently. The captain must control his emotions and allow his men time to prove their value. His fading batting skills will also be an issue.
Washington Sundar has emerged as one of India’s marquee players so far during the tournament. The all-rounder was unfortunate to get run out during the second T20I. He will be keen to impose his influence on a tournament that has multiple finger-spinners.
Bowlers: Shivam Mavi, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Arshdeep Singh:
India may be tempted to reintroduce Umran Malik into the starting XI after surrendering him for an extra spinner in the last game. However, Hardik is bowling consistently while the other pacers in the team are not seeing much activity.
The Men in Blue may choose to put Mavi and Arshdeep in difficult positions.
So Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal may be given an additional opportunity to bowl together. With the latter impressing despite bowling only two overs in Lucknow. This one might go either way because the Ahmedabad wicket is sure to help the bowlers.
