India will be eyeing a series win as they lock horns against New Zealand in the 3rd T20I of the five-match series on Sunday (January 25).
The Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati will provide the opportunity to seal the series for Suryakumar Yadav and co. as they have already taken a 2-0 lead with two convincing wins.
Suryakumar Yadav's men have dominated, posting a mammoth 238/7 in the opener in Nagpur, powered by Abhishek Sharma's explosive 84 off 35 balls, before securing a convincing win in Raipur thanks to Ishan Kishan's blistering 76, while captain Surya also returned to form with a stellar unbeaten 82 off just 37 deliveries.
India Team News: Sanju Samson, Jasprit Bumrah in Focus
The big question revolves around Sanju Samson's spot. The Kerala wicketkeeper-batter has endured a dismal series, managing
just 10 off 7 in the first game and a meek 6 in the second, falling to short-pitched deliveries and loose shots. With Ishan Kishan firing on all cylinders and staking a claim for a top-order role, dropping Samson could allow for a more balanced side. Kishan's aggressive 76 in Raipur showcased his ability to accelerate, potentially shifting him to open alongside Abhishek Sharma. But as per the latest notion, Samson is set to keep his place.
On the bowling front, Jasprit Bumrah is likely to return after being rested in the first two matches to manage his workload ahead of a packed schedule. Bumrah's return may lead to Arshdeep Singh's omission, who was expensive in the last match. Kuldeep Yadav impressed with two wickets and is likely to keep his place along with Varun Chakravarthy.
IND vs NZ 3rd T20I: India Predicted Playing 11
Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy
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