The 3rd T20I between India and New Zealand At the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, the focus was on the strength of India’s bench as the hosts looked to clinch the series. captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss on a wet evening and elected to bowl first, a tactical move affected by heavy dew expected later in the match. Despite the high stakes of a potential series-winning game, the Indian team management opted for a significant rotation in the bowling department. The changes come as India look to take a 3-0 lead in the five-match series after high-scoring victories in Nagpur and Raipur.
IND vs NZ: Why Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakaravarthy ruled out in Guwahati T20I
Absence Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakraborty A combination of handling the workload from the 3rd T20I and reacting to a high-scoring encounter in Raipur. Arshdeep put in a tough performance in the 2nd T20I, scoring 53 runs in four overs, including 18 runs in the opener, to get the management back a renewed charge. jasprit bumrah to lead the attack.
Similarly, Chakravarthy rested to make way for his return Ravi BishnoiIndia intend to explore different spin combinations ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. While both players are integral to India’s long-term plans, their release today allows the medical staff to monitor their recovery on a tight schedule. Harshit Rana retained his place in the XI due to his superior batting depth at number eight, a critical factor to consider Akhar Patel still unavailable while recovering from a finger injury. By bringing in Bumrah and Bishnoi, Suryakumar is looking to sharpen up the death-bowling execution and middle-order control that was tested when New Zealand charged in the previous game.
“We have two changes – Arshdeep and Varun rested tonight. Bumrah and Ravi Bishnoi come in.” Suryakumar said during the shoot.
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New Zealand’s last stand of the series and three changes in the 2nd T20I
New Zealand entered the Guwahati T20I with a “must win” mindset, making a crucial change to their bowling arsenal to take on India’s top order. The Black Caps got the tower back after Zachary Foulkes proved costly in the Raipur chase. Kyle JamiesonHope his extra jump can break the rhythm Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishi. The visitors are also dealing with permanent line-up changes following an unfortunate hamstring injury Adam MilneHe has now officially been named in the World Cup squad as Jamieson’s long-term replacement.
“The nature of different games in different cities, you’ve got to come and see what it’s going to do and go again. That’s what we’ve got to do tonight. Neesh (Neesham) was going to play but he was crooked. That’s why we brought Jamieson in for Foulkes.” Santner said.
The series is currently 2-0 in favor of India, leaving the Kiwis with the mammoth task of winning three consecutive games to take the trophy home in Guwahati, Visakhapatnam and Thiruvananthapuram. Mitchell Santner’s side will rely heavily on spin prowess Glenn Phillips and consistency Racine Ravindra to keep the series alive. With the Guwahati track traditionally serving as a haven, New Zealand know that only flawless execution of India’s plans against a revamped bowling attack will prevent a premature series defeat on Indian soil.
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