NZ vs IND: 3 touring players who might not get chance in series

1. Harshal Patel

Harshal Patel has been a regular feature in the Indian T20 setup of late. He has played 23 matches and taken 26 wickets at an economy of 9.20. The 31-year-old has made a name for himself in deceiving batters with his numerous variations of slower balls and has been playing the role of a death-overs specialist for the Men in Blue.

However, the Gujarat-born has been a pale shadow of his vintage self from the time he returned to the Indian T20 setup after recovering from a rib injury. In the T20I series against Australia, Harshal took one wicket in three games leaking runs at an alarming rate of 12.37. Then again when Rohit & Co. locked horns with South Africa for three T20I games, he conceded runs at a poor economy of 10.00.

The bowling all-rounder was part of India’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2022 but did not get a game, Harshal has been picked for the upcoming T20I series against the Kiwis but it will be tough for him to break into the playing XI.

Hardik & Co. have the likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep, and Mohammad Siraj at their disposal. The trio has the ability to make the ball talk and displayed its swing bowling masterclass on many occasions. The conditions in New Zealand will aid their style of bowling and the team management might play them in the XI. Moreover, if India looks for another dimension to their bowling, they have the option of speedster Umran who can clock speeds of over 150 kmph effortlessly.