India suffered an embarrassing loss to New Zealand by 80 runs in the first T20 which was their biggest defeat in shortest format of the game when it comes to the margin of defeat by runs. In opposing situation, India were forced to eke out a win which would also have been their first T20 win on New Zealand soil.
The Rohit Sharma led team was right on the “money” right from the word go in the 2nd T20 and went for an all out attack on the New Zealand batters. The hosts could just manag158 runs on a batting friendly pitch which would always prove less considering the short boundaries of the stadium in Auckland.
Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma gave a strong start to India’s chase of 159 runs. The two added 79 runs for the first wicket partnership that didn’t let Kiwis get back into the groove. Rishabh Pant and MS Dhoni completed the formalities as India won by 7 wickets to level the series and most importantly win their first ever T20 in New Zealand.
Both these much anticipated teams will be eyeing glory when they step onto play the series decider in Hamilton on Sunday. India can make some changes to their team that can prove decisive in their last game of Australasia tour.
Expected changes
Kuldeep Yadav in place of Yuzvendra Chahal: Haryana spinner- Yuzvendra Chahal has failed to live upto expectations in the two T20s. He leaked 37 runs in the last game and went wicketless that didn’t help India’s cause.
India could surprise the hosts by picking Kuldeep Yadav in his place who can prove to be a “X” factor in the game. Yadav brings his mystery spin into play and majority of the Kiwi batsman in the current T20 squad were not part of ODI team that can come as an advantage for men in blue.
India included Yuzvendra Chahal for ODI series decider against Australia and it took them by surprise. Chahal finished with career best spell of 6/42 that helped India win the series 2-1. A surprise pick can also prove crucial for India, going into the T20 series decider against the Kiwis.
Shubman Gill in place of Vijay Shankar: We are aware of the fact that Rohit Sharma loves to play more all-rounders in his team which gives him the luxury of utilizing them with the ball as well with the bat. Tamil Nadu fast bowling all-rounder Vijay Shankar has not been utilized with the ball in the two T20’s and his batting prowess has also not been that dominant and consistent. The team may prefer to play a specialist batsman in Shubman Gill.
The Fazilka lad may bring the right stability in the middle order.
India’s Predicted XI for 3rd T20: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, Dinesh Karthik, MS Dhoni, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Khaleel Ahmed
