The Indian cricket team will take the field in the third and final ODI against New Zealand on Sunday, 18 January at Holkar Stadium, Indore. With the series on the line, the team management is considering a few changes in the playing XI for this crucial encounter.
Jadeja Out of Form
Senior all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who has taken only one wicket in five matches this series, is likely to be dropped due to poor performance with both bat and ball. His lackluster show in the second ODI at Rajkot drew criticism on social media.
In his place, the management may hand a debut to Delhi all-rounder Ayush Badoni, who was earlier included in the squad as a replacement for the injured Washington Sundar. Badoni, a right-handed middle-order batsman, can contribute with spin bowling and offers India a sixth bowling option.
Arshdeep Singh May Come In
Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh could also get a chance in the playing XI. Despite being India’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is, he was overlooked in the first two ODIs in favor of Prasidh Krishna. While Krishna took wickets in both matches, he struggled to contain New Zealand’s batsmen and often appeared ineffective.
Batting Line-Up Likely to Remain
The batting order is expected to remain unchanged, featuring Rohit Sharma, captain Shubman Gill, world No.1 ODI batsman Virat Kohli, vice-captain Shreyas Iyer, and wicketkeeper KL Rahul.
Probable Playing XI – 3rd ODI vs New Zealand:
Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (Captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ayush Badoni, KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj
India will hope the new inclusions inject fresh energy as they aim to level the series and finish on a high note.
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