Reports: India unlikely to make any changes in the playing combination ahead of New Zealand clash

India and New Zealand are set to lock horns with each other for their upcoming fixture of the T20 World Cup 2021. Ahead of the match, there were speculations that team India might make a few tweaks in their playing combination. However, as per reports, the Virat Kohli-led side is more likely to go with the same playing XI for the clash against the Black Caps.

MS Dhoni is currently associated with the side as a mentor. Thus it is believed that India might go with his template of not making any changes on the side. It is also learned that the team will tinker with their playing combination only if there are any injury concerns in the side.

India and New Zealand raring to win the crucial encounter

With all-rounder Hardik Pandya not available with his quota of overs, the Indian team has been facing the concern of a sixth bowling option. He featured in the playing XI against Pakistan but was unable to make a larger impact on the game with the willow. India’s dismaying outing against the Men in Green raised a few questions on the team’s combination.

Several former cricketers and experts have come forward to suggest changes in the team. They have predicted Shardul Thakur to replace Pandya on the side. However, according to Mid-Day, the Indian team set-up feels that number seven is too high a batting position for Thakur.

Though he is a wicket-taking bowler and has been in a splendid form lately, the pacer’s economy rate is a tad bit of a concern for the side. Besides, what came in as a big sigh of relief for India is that Pandya was spotted bowling whilst the team’s practice session. The all-rounder might thus take the charge of the ball in the game against New Zealand.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar who has a plethora of experience under his sleeves is expected to feature in the game despite his dip in form and India is also not likely to make changes in the spin department. Both the teams have lost their previous game to Pakistan. Heading into this game, both sides will be raring to get to winning ways in the marquee event. A defeat in this match can hamper the teams’ chances of making it to the semi-finals of the high-profile event.