India vs New Zealand: India’s strongest predicted playing XI for 3rd T20I

India and New Zealand will lock horns with each other for the third T20I on Sunday, November 21. The hosts exuded great character in the second T20I to clinch the series. India put up an all-rounder show at display in order to dominate the proceedings against the Black Caps.

Despite getting to an electric start, New Zealand could manage to put the total of just 154 runs. India’s bowlers brought a clinical display at the fore to restrict the flow of runs. During the chase, KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma laid a strong foundation, owing to which India triumphed by seven wickets.

Heading into the final T20I, the Men in Blue will be determined to continue their domination. As India has already taken the lead of 2-0 in the three-match T20I series, one might witness a few changes in the playing XI. The management might try new combinations by giving chance to the reserve bench players.

Here is India’s predicted playing XI for the IND vs NZ Match:

Openers- Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma has been exceptional for the side in both the matches so far. In the first T20I, he fell just two runs short of his half-century. He carried his momentum in the next game as well wherein he hit a belligerent half-century.

KL Rahul too looked in fine touch in the second T20I but now that India has the lead, the team might think of providing an opportunity to the youngsters. Ruturaj Gaikwad who has displayed his sheer flair in IPL 2021 might make it to the playing XI. He finished the tournament as the highest run-getter with 635 runs to his account.

Middle order- Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer

Ishan Kishan might replace Rishabh Pant in the side for the second T20I. The keeper-batter looked a bit out of form in the UAE leg of the IPL initially. However, he got his rhythm back in the end and produced some splendid knocks with the willow.

Suryakumar Yadav also displayed his flair in the first T20I. The batter played an impressive inning of 62 runs to help India chase the total of 165. Further, the presence of Shreyas Iyer provides more belief and strength to the team’s batting order.

All rounders- Venkatesh Iyer, Axar Patel

Venkatesh Iyer exuded his class with his performances in the UAE leg of the IPL. He was one of the key reasons for the shift in fortunes of the team in the second half of the tournament. He will be all determined to bring his attacking game to the display.

Axar Patel was quite expensive in the first T20I. However, the spinner was quite economical in the second T20I. He picked up the crucial wicket of Mark Chapman to pull the momentum towards India. He also comes in quite handy with the bat down the order and will aim to make a larger impact on the team.

Bowlers – Ravichandran Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel, and Avesh Khan

India’s bowlers shone in the second T20I to fashion the team’s victory. Ravichandran Ashwin chimed in with the wicket of Tim Siefert and bowled an economical spell. He conceded just 19 runs from his four overs and maintained an excellent economy rate.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, on the other hand looked, in good form in the first game. He picked up two wickets and conceded 24 runs from his four overs. In the second T20I, he was a tad expensive but with the plethora of experience he has under his sleeves, the pacer will be a pivotal player for the side.

Harshal Patel had a dream debut in the last match. He replaced the injured Mohammad Siraj in the side and marched the drum of his repertoire. The speedster clinched two wickets and was extremely economical at the death overs owing to which he was awarded the Player of the Match.

After having shown his prowess in the IPL, Avesh Khan might get a go for the final T20I replacing Deepak Chahar. He had a good run in the tournament as he finished as the second-highest wicket-taker with 24 wickets to his account.