India managed to defeat New Zealand in the second T20I of the three-match series on Sunday (29 Jan) by six wickets but it was not an easy chase at all. Despite restricting New Zealand to 99/8, India took 19.5 overs to win the game. Although captain Hardik Pandya blamed the pitch for India’s scrappy show with the bat, the top order misfiring yet again turned out to be an issue for India.
Ishan Kishan, Shubman Gill, and Rahul Tripathi yet again failed to provide India with a solid start. While Kishan scored 19 runs off 32 balls, Gill managed 11 runs off 9 balls before handing a catch to Finn Allen. Rahul Tripathi too departed after scoring 13 runs. Now, with the three batters failing to score big, the Indian team management might be tempted to play Prithvi Shaw who has recently made a comeback to the T20I setup. But who will make way for Shaw?
Let’s find out and have a look at India’s possible playing XI for the 3rd T20I.
Top order: Ishan Kishan, Prithvi Shaw, Shubman Gill
Hardik Pandya is one of those captains who does not like to chop and change too often. Therefore, India might back Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill to retain their places in the playing XI. However, Rahul Tripathi might have to sit out in order to accommodate Prithvi Shaw. Tripathi has played with intent but has not produced any match-winning knocks so far. In this series as well, the batter has failed to score runs. So, he might miss out on the series decider.
Middle Order: Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Deepak Hooda
Suryakumar Yadav, captain Hardik Pandya, and Deepak Hooda will retain their places considering they have been among the contributors to India’s win. Suryakumar played a match-winning knock in the second T20I while Pandya stayed with him till the end. Deepak Hooda, meanwhile, chipped in with the ball, taking the important wicket of Glenn Phillips.
All-rounders: Washington Sundar and Shivam Mavi
Washington Sundar has played fearless cricket in this series and has looked to dominate the opposition. Sundar’s right-arm off-spin has come in handy in the powerplays and his pinch-hitting ability has also augured well for India. Meanwhile, Shivam Mavi has ensured to keep a check on the batters with his accuracy.
Bowlers: Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik
Kuldeep Yadav has cemented his place in the XI with consistent performances. Yadav’s ability to produce magical deliveries has also helped India really well. His bowling partner is last game, Yuzvendra Chahal was also among the wickets but might have to sit out if the pitch does not offer assistance to spinners. Umran Malik will replace him in the XI. Meanwhile, Arshdeep Singh will retain his place as the third bowler.
India’s Playing XI for 3rd T20I: Shubman Gill, Prithvi Shaw, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Deepak Hooda, Washington Sundar, Shivam Mavi, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik
