India predicted the third ODI of the XI vs. New Zealand.
Team India, who have already established an impregnable 2-0 lead in the three-game series, are looking to beat New Zealand in his ODI final in Indore on Tuesday. The visitors were stunned by the Indian bowlers in their previous encounter at Raipur, where India won by eight wickets. The series opener was much of a similar affair, but an explosive knock from Michael Bracewell and a key contribution from Mitchell Santner brought the competition to life.
Judging by New Zealand’s performances in their last two matchups, a series win should not come as a surprise if India succeeds.
Looking at the composition of the team, India did not want big changes and the only change was seen in the bowling department. Mohammed Shammi, who led the attack at the last ODI, could be benched given the workload factor, and India’s latest pace sensation Umran Malik could be included in the squad.
Shami is India’s number one bowler at the moment as Jasprit Bumrah is still struggling with a back injury. And with the winning streak already cemented and this being the year of the World Cup, management would not like to stress Shammi too much given the expertise he brings to the team.
Malik, on the other hand, has yet to take his chances in the ongoing series and could get a headshot before the action shifts to his T20Is.
Looking at the combination, in-form starters Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill will begin proceedings excluding injury concerns. Virat Kohli could take his 3rd place and Suryakumar Yadav could move up to his 4th place. With KL Rahul out and Rishabh Pant out for months after a car accident, it’s a natural choice to have Ishan Kishan behind the stumps.
Hardik Pandya shows excellent form and leads the overall division alongside Washington Sundar. Shardul Thakur also fits in the all-purpose department.
Also, attention will be focused on Kuldeep and his Yadav, who is in top form. In that case, Yuzvendra Chahal must sit down to make room for Kuldeep. Mohammed Siraj and Thakur headed the seam department in the senior pro’s absence, but Malik could be a middle-over enforcer.
India’s predicted XI vs New Zealand 3rd ODI:
Openers: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill
Middle-order: Virat Kohli, Ishan Kishan (wk), Suryakumar Yadav
All-rounder: Hardik Pandya, Shardul Thakur, Washington Sundar
Spin: Kuldeep Yadav
Pace: Mohammed Siraj, Umran Malik.