The India–New Zealand series has taken excitement to another level. With two World Cup finalists facing each other, fans expected a strong contest. But the first two matches have delivered even more, with both results decided in the final over.
The momentum kept shifting from one team to the other. Neither side could feel certain of victory until the closing stages. Now, ahead of the third T20I, the focus is on what both teams will change.
New Zealand will be without two major match-winners. For India, the questions are whether Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will get another chance, whether Ishan Kishan is fit to return and whether Bhuvneshwar Kumar will retain his place.
New Zealand Set to Make Two Changes
New Zealand had fitness concerns over Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry after neither completed his full quota of overs in the previous match.
Henry has been ruled out of the remaining three matches, while Ferguson has been rested for the third T20I. New Zealand will therefore have to make two changes to their pace attack.
Adam Milne is likely to return, while Kyle Jamieson is also expected to come into the side. Apart from these two changes, New Zealand are not expected to make further adjustments.
New Zealand’s predicted playing XI:
- Finn Allen
- Tim Seifert (WK)
- Daryl Mitchell
- Glenn Phillips
- Bevon Jacobs
- Michael Bracewell
- Mitchell Santner (C)
- Nathan Smith
- Kyle Jamieson
- Adam Milne
- Jacob Duffy
Will Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Sit Out?
One of the biggest questions ahead of the match is whether India will continue to back Vaibhav or bring Ishan Kishan back into the side.
However, Kishan has been ruled out of the third T20I, meaning Vaibhav is expected to play again. India are likely to retain the same batting combination used in the second match.
Will Bhuvneshwar Kumar Keep His Place?
Bhuvneshwar’s comeback has not gone as well as expected so far. That has raised questions over whether India could leave him out for the third T20I.
However, the indications from the nets and warm-ups suggest that the team management will continue to back him. Bowling coach Morne Morkel has also expressed support for Bhuvneshwar, with the emphasis on keeping him settled and focused on his game.
India are therefore unlikely to make a change in his place.
IND vs NZ 3rd T20I Playing XI: India Expected to Remain Unchanged
While New Zealand are set for two changes, India are expected to field the same XI that played the second T20I. Vaibhav and Bhuvneshwar are both likely to retain their places.
India’s predicted playing XI:
- Sanju Samson (WK)
- Abhishek Sharma
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
- Shreyas Iyer (C)
- Tilak Varma
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Naman Dhir
- Axar Patel
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Arshdeep Singh
- Prince Yadav
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