IND vs NZ: 3 reasons why India should play Arshdeep Singh in third ODI

Arshdeep Singh warmed the bench in the first two ODIs against New Zealand.

India are pulling their socks up for the climax of the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand (IND vs NZ). The third and final ODI of the series will be played on January 18 at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore.

The Men in Blue won the opening game by four wickets in Vadodara, where Virat Kohli showed his class with a match-winning 93 runs. Later, the Black Caps bounced back in the second game by clinching a victory. Daryl Mitchell made a dashing effort to drive the team to victory, winning the Player of the Match.

Now, the third ODI is a do-or-die game for both sides as the three-match series is tied 1-1. The winner of the match will have the last laugh, but India will execute their best efforts to outplay the Kiwis. They will bank on the home advantage to overpower the visitors.

However, the Shubman Gill & Co. need to make some efforts to dominate Black Caps in the last game. They would need a few changes in the playing XI to strengthen their batting and bowling departments.

Notably, New Zealand batters dominated the Indian bowlers in both matches. They touched the 300-run mark in the opening game and also chased down the target like a walk in the park in the second game.

Therefore, including pacer Arshdeep Singh in the team for the next match would be a good decision for the Men in Blue. The left-arm pacer warmed the bench in the first two games. On that note, below are three reasons why India should include Arshdeep Singh in the third ODI against New Zealand.

3. More depth in pace attack

With the likes of Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Harshit Rana, India have utilized only right-arm pacers so far in the series. Arshdeep, being a left-arm bowler, will provide more depth and variation to the team’s pace department.

Both New Zealand openers, Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls, are left-handed batters. Attacking them with a combination of right and left armers at the start would definitely provide an edge to India.

2. Dismal show by pacers in both games

Although the series is tied 1-1 after two games, it should be agreed that the Indian pacers have failed to dominate the visitors. Their teamwork didn’t pay off much, as they failed to prevent the New Zealand batsmen from scoring big in both matches.

In the first ODI, New Zealand had put 300 runs on the board. In the second game, the 285-run target was a piece of pie for the visitors as Indian pacers failed to overpower them throughout the game. Therefore, Arshdeep Singh should be given a chance in the next match in place of one of the other fast bowlers.

1. Testing Arshdeep Singh before the ICC Cricket World Cup

Notably, the India vs New Zealand 3rd ODI will be the last assignment for the Men in Blue in the 50-over format ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Currently, the focus is on the shortest format as the mega event is scheduled to take place in February and March.

However, after the T20 World Cup concludes, the focus will shift to the ODI format, and teams will begin their preparations for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027.

India need to develop a strong pace unit in the lead-up to the tournament. Testing Arshdeep Singh in ODIs will be a good idea.

The 26-year-old has already shown his mettle in the T20Is, becoming the first Indian bowler to grab 100 wickets. He has only played a handful of ODIs and needs more opportunities to showcase his might in the longer format.

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