IND vs NZ: Why did Varun Chakravarthy & Arshdeep Singh miss 3rd T20I in Guwahati?
Varun Chakravarthy is the highest rated T20I bowler in the world, while Arshdeep Singh is leading wicket-taker for India in T20Is.
India and New Zealand lock horns in the third T20I of the five-match series at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Sunday, January 25. The contest forms a crucial part of both teams’ final preparations ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to begin on February 7.
Team India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, head into the match after completing their joint-highest successful run chase in the format, powered by a sensational 76 from Ishan Kishan and a blistering 82 from the captain himself.
Meanwhile, the New Zealand cricket team, led by Mitchell Santner, find themselves in a must-win situation, trailing 2–0 in the series. A defeat today would hand India an unassailable lead and render the remaining two matches dead rubbers.
Why did Varun Chakravarthy & Arshdeep Singh miss third T20I in Guwahati?
Ahead of the third T20I, India continue to rotate their bowlers and change combinations. Varun Chakravarthy, who has picked three wickets so far in the series, has been rested as confirmed by the Indian captain.
Arshdeep Singh too will miss the match, as the left-arm pacer finally gets a break after playing three straight matches (third ODI and first two T20Is).
“We’ll look to bowl first. Wicket looks good, there’ll be dew later on. Be fearless, take your own call, enjoy and be humble at the same time.
“Two changes. Arshdeep and Varun resting tonight, Bumrah and Bishnoi come in,” said captain Suryakumar Yadav.
India’s bowling lineup will be bolstered by the return of Jasprit Bumrah, who will play just his second match of the year. After being uncharacteristically expensive in the opening game, Bumrah will look to hit his straps this time around.
Ravi Bishnoi has also been given an opportunity. The former World No. 1 T20I bowler is not part of India’s 2026 T20 World Cup squad, but was drafted into the team as a replacement for the injured Washington Sundar.
IND vs NZ: India playing XI for third T20I
Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Harshit Rana, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah
Why did Varun Chakravarthy & Arshdeep Singh miss the third T20I?
They have been rested, as confirmed by skipper Suryakumar Yadav.
Who replaced Varun Chakravarthy & Arshdeep Singh in the playing XI?
Jasprit Bumrah and Ravi Bishnoi were brought into the side.
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Aniruddh Seshadri Iyer is a passionate sports journalist at Khel Now, specializing in tennis and Olympic sports. An engineer by training, he found his storytelling passion through iconic Grand Slam and Olympic moments. Known for sharp analysis and insightful coverage, he draws inspiration from Novak Djokovic’s resilience. Outside journalism, he enjoys reading, traveling, and playing the guitar.