IND vs NZ: 3 changes India could make for third ODI after loss in second game
(Courtesy : BCCI)
The IND vs NZ third ODI will take place on January 18.
The Indian Cricket Team and the New Zealand Cricket Team are gearing up for the final clash of the ongoing ODI series. The campaign has entered a do-or-die situation for both sides. With the series tied at 1-1, the winner of the third ODI will steal the tag of champions.
India won the opening game by four wickets by chasing down a 301-run total with a half-century by Virat Kohli. The Black Caps made a comeback in the second game in a similar fashion, chasing down a 285-run target by seven wickets like a walk in the park. Daryl Mitchell rocked with his batting heroics, smacking an unbeaten century to propel the team to victory.
The stakes are high in the final game, which will take place at Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore on January 18. As Shubman Gill & Co. suffered a defeat in the previous game, they need to make a few changes to strengthen their playing XI in the next encounter.
On that note, below are three changes India could make in the third ODI between IND vs NZ.
3. Ayush Badoni
Ayush Badoni was added to the squad following Washington Sundar’s ouster due to a rib injury after the first ODI. Badoni, a player who had not played any international matches, was not allowed to make his debut in this match, as India gave a chance to Nitish Kumar Reddy.
Scoring just 20 runs and going wicketless in the match, Reddy could not impress with his performance. Hence, Badoni should be given a chance in Indore.
2. Arshdeep Singh
With India failing to defend their total in the last game, star pacer Arshdeep Singh deserves a place in the next clash. Prasidh Krishna did not perform well. He took only one wicket in the match; the right-arm pacer also emerged expensive in the opening game.
Therefore, Arshdeep can replace him in the playing XI. The move will provide more variation to India’s pace attack as Arshdeep is a left-arm bowler.
1. Dhruv Jurel
Despite being hailed as the best all-rounder of India, Ravindra Jadeja hasn’t lived up to the expectations with bat and ball in the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand. The Indian all-rounder remained wicketless in both matches and failed to go big with the bat.
The crucial point is that India failed to post a big score while batting first in the second ODI and needs to strengthen their batting department. Replacing Jadeja with Dhruv Jurel will be a good idea, with Jurel playing as a pure batter.
How many ODI games will be played between India and New Zealand?
Three ODI games will be played between India and New Zealand.
How many matches will take place during New Zealand’s tour of India 2026?
Three ODIs and three T20Is will be played during New Zealand’s tour of India 2026.
Who won Player of the Match in the second ODI between India and New Zealand?
Daryl Mitchell won Player of the Match in the clash for his match-winning century.
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Vikas Singh Derek is a core cricket-lover since childhood and has always followed the sport both in his personal and professional life. He started his school life by watching cricket at home with family. Later, he played cricket on the field at local clubs during college. After his Master's in Journalism from Mumbai, he followed his passion by covering cricket news across various digital media. Since 2015, he has been an aspiring sports journalist and cricket content writer with over 50K+ articles.