Overview:
India’s strength lies in their depth, seamlessly swapping players without losing tempo. The batting order is expected to stay unchanged.
India will enter the third T20I with confidence, momentum, and a selection dilemma, an ideal scenario for any team. Leading the series and coming off a dominant win in Raipur, they are firmly in charge, though the third T20I may bring a few tactical adjustments as they look to seal the series. With four wins from their last five matches, the majority of which were commanding, India’s recent run shows their strength and versatility in T20 cricket.
The big focus ahead of Guwahati is the possible return of Jasprit Bumrah. After sitting out from the Raipur game due to workload management, India might opt to bring him back. His return would enhance India’s new-ball attack and provide added firepower in the death overs, especially with dew likely to impact the game. If Bumrah plays, there is a chance of changes in India’s pace department.
A possible tactical change could involve Axar Patel, who is recovering from a finger injury. He could replace Rinku Singh. Axar’s control on slower surfaces and his ability to dominate against New Zealand’s middle order, along with added batting depth, make him a strong option. Although it may slightly reduce India’s finishing strength, Guwahati’s spinner-friendly conditions could justify the change.
India covered all the key areas in Raipur, especially with Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy back together. Despite the early arrival of dew, they effectively slowed down New Zealand, exposing their difficulties against quality wrist spin. Kuldeep, now just four wickets away from equaling Yuzvendra Chahal as India’s top T20I spinner, is in excellent form and looks unlikely to be dropped.
The absence of Tilak Varma went unnoticed in the second T20I as Ishan Kishan delivered a fiery 76 off 32 balls. Suryakumar Yadav followed suit, ending his half-century dry spell and making the 209 chase seem effortless. India’s strength lies in their depth, seamlessly swapping players without losing tempo. The batting order is expected to stay unchanged.
India Probable XI: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh/Axar Patel, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Harshit Rana, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy.