India Vs New Zealand 3rd T20I In Guwahati: Match Preview, Likely XIs, Injury News, Venue And More

Ishan Kishan’s remarkable return has sparked fresh debate over Abhishek Sharma’s ideal opening partner, as Sanju Samson’s struggles continue, with the hosts aiming to secure the five-match T20 series in the third game on Sunday.

With two weeks and three matches against New Zealand remaining in the series before their T20 World Cup title defence, India’s team combination appears mostly settled. The batting and bowling units seem well-organised, but a few positions, including Samson’s, are still under scrutiny.

What: India vs New Zealand, 3rd T20I

When: January 25 (Sunday)

Where: Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati

Start Time: 7 PM IST

Kishan’s impressive 76 off 32 balls has put the spotlight on Samson. Reinstated as an opener alongside Abhishek Sharma,

replacing Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill, Samson has been unable to capitalise on his opportunities despite getting numerous chances.

Gill, despite his technical prowess, struggled in T20Is and was sidelined to make way for Samson, who had scored three centuries in five matches last year. However, Samson has failed to deliver in his favoured position, with time running out before the T20 World Cup, making this series crucial for his future.

Samson’s weakness against fast bowling has resurfaced. During the England series earlier this year, he was dismissed cheaply five times by fast bowlers, including three consecutive dismissals by Jofra Archer. Against New Zealand, he scored only 10 and 6, falling to Kyle Jamieson and Matt Henry.

India probable XI: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah/Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy

Former India opener and coach WV Raman commented on social media after Samson’s dismissal in Raipur, pointing out the need for Samson to adjust his bat speed according to the pace of the ball to improve consistency.

Samson also struggled behind the stumps, missing a wide yorker from Arshdeep Singh that resulted in four byes, allowing New Zealand to surpass the 200-run mark.

Concerns over captain Suryakumar Yadav’s prolonged lean patch were addressed as he silenced critics with an explosive 82 off 37 balls, ending a streak of 23 T20I innings without a fifty. India’s seven-wicket victory in the second T20, giving them a 2-0 lead, was impressive, especially as it came without significant contributions from in-form Abhishek Sharma, who was dismissed for a golden duck.

Suryakumar appeared to tweak his approach, moving across the stumps to access the off-side and playing his trademark shots over point and covers. From 10 off 10 balls, he accelerated, scoring 72 from the next 27 deliveries, as India chased down 209 in just 15.2 overs.

Before Suryakumar’s innings, Kishan set the stage with a blistering 21-ball fifty. Despite India slipping to 6/2 in 1.1 overs, Kishan’s counter-attack turned the game around, completing their joint-highest successful T20I chase with 28 balls to spare.

Kishan’s performance marked a significant comeback, having been dropped from the contract list for skipping domestic cricket. He worked his way back, leading his state side to a domestic T20 title and seizing his opportunity upon recall.

With Kishan and Suryakumar in top form, India scored at an astounding 14.50 runs per over, losing just one wicket in the crucial overs seven to ten, effectively sealing New Zealand’s fate.

In the bowling department, left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav and seamer Harshit Rana controlled the middle overs after Arshdeep Singh conceded 36 runs in his first two overs. India hopes Axar Patel’s finger injury is not serious ahead of the global showpiece, while pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, rested for the second match, is expected to return. Given the short turnaround between matches and travel, the team management has decided to rotate the pacers.

New Zealand will need to regroup after their heavy loss. Led by Mitchell Santner, the team might consider tactical changes, such as promoting the in-form Daryl Mitchell, who has been their standout batter with two centuries and a fifty in their 2-1 ODI series win.

Fielding, typically a strength for New Zealand, was disappointing. Santner and Ish Sodhi dropped crucial catches, including a simple chance offered by Suryakumar, allowing India to build momentum.

New Zealand probable XI: Tim Seifert, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy

New Zealand also made tactical errors, replacing Matt Henry with Zak Foulkes, who conceded 24 runs in his first over as Kishan launched an assault. Instead of tightening their strategy, they remained rigid and failed to apply pressure at critical moments.

IND vs NZ Full Squads

India: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, Rinku Singh, Arshdeep Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Harshit Rana.

New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (captain), Devon Conway, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tim Robinson, Jimmy Neesham, Ish Sodi, Zak Foulkes, Mark Chapman, Michael Bracewell, Rachin Ravindra, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy.

With PTI Inputs