Toss expected to play a crucial role in India’s third T20I against New Zealand in Kolkata

Former India national selector, Devang Gandhi, said that dew could end up being a big factor in the third T20I against New Zealand on Sunday, November 21 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. In the first two matches in Jaipur and Ranchi, the team, winning the toss, fielded first and went on to win with relative ease.

After the Ranchi T20I, New Zealand skipper Tim Southee also said that dew came in earlier than expected and left its impact on the match. In the meantime, Gandhi said that toss could be massive factor in deciding the winner of the third and final encounter of the three-game T20I series.

“Maybe it can, but I am sure it is not an easy call to take. There could be so many complexities, which we are unaware of. Dew will definitely be a factor at the Eden Gardens too. And therefore, the toss becomes crucial,” Gandhi was quoted as saying in TOI.

Kolkata pitch has a lot to offer for bowlers, says Devang Gandhi

Gandhi, also a former Indian cricketer, said that the pitch in Kolkata won’t completely be a batsman’s paradise. The veteran said that the track has a lot on offer for the bowlers, especially the fast bowlers, as well.

But the 50-year-old retired batter was also of the opinion that the spinners may find the going tough as dew might settle in as the game progresses.

“Many would think I am being a little conservative, but the Eden track, which was re-laid around four years back, has a lot to offer to the bowlers too,” he stated.

“The pacers in particular, will enjoy bowling on this track. They will get a good bounce. But then, the spinners might have trouble gripping the ball once the dew starts playing its tricks. I would say the first six overs of both innings will be crucial,” Gandhi said.

Gandhi is also looking forward to seeing the cricketers play in front of a packed house at the Eden Gardens on Super Sunday. “The Indians are used to playing in front of big crowds and the fans here have always been lively. The players will definitely enjoy the atmosphere,” he added.