India vs New Zealand 2021: 3rd T20 Predicted Playing 11

India vs New Zealand 2021 – 3 changes expected as we look at the best predicted playing 11 for the 3rd T20 International.

It was only a few days ago in T20 World Cup 2021 where Team India suffered a humiliating defeat against the Kiwis. The loss almost knocked off Team India from the World Cup. But just a couple of days after the final, the non-significant T20I series began, and it showed a dramatically opposite result.

Team India won both the tosses under the leadership of the newly-appointed captain, Rohit Sharma. Unsurprisingly, Having chosen to bowl first in both matches, the chase wasn’t one-sided, and India had to push hard to manage victories. In the process, India are already 2-0 up in the 3-match series.

With series in the bag, the 3rd T20I is a dead rubber for both teams. While Kiwis will play for nothing but pride, Team India will look to test their bench strength by giving chances to a few youngsters, and resting a few players. What changes will India make is what we will find out in this article. 

Meanwhile, Team India once start as favorites for the series and for the 3rd game with odds in their favor. According to Betway, the odds for Team India in this match are 3/10. Whereas for New Zealand, the odds are 9/4. So, as we wait for the match to begin, let’s look at the 2021 India vs New Zealand best predicted playing 11 for the 3rd T20 International. 

India vs New Zealand 2021 – Official T20I Series Squad for Team India 

Batsmen: Ishan Kishan (WK), KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (WK), Rohit Sharma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shreyas Iyer & Suryakumar Yadav

All-rounders: Axar Patel & Venkatesh Iyer

Bowlers: Avesh Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Deepak Chahar, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Ravichandran Ashwin & Yuzvendra Chahal

Coach: Rahul Dravid // Captain: Rohit Sharma // Vice-captain: KL Rahul

Match Details:

Tournament: New Zealand Tour of India 2021

Type: T20I Series – 3rd T20I

Where: Kolkata

When: November 21, 7 pm IST.

Openers: Rohit Sharma & Ruturaj Gaikwad

Team India’s regular first-choice openers, KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma gave a fantastic performance in both the T20Is so far. If not for the dead rubber, both would have continued to play together as the openers. But with the test series just a few days away, KL Rahul would be expected to open in the first Test.

So, it makes sense for KL Rahul to get the much-deserved rest for the third T20I before donning the white Jersey. In place of KL Rahul, Team India can look to play either Ishan Kishan or Ruturaj Gaikwad. Both are deserving candidates. But if Ishan can be played in the middle order, then Ruturaj can then be played as an opener. 

Middle order: Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan & Shreyas Iyer

The middle order can see one change that is for Ishan Kishan for Rishabh Pant. To be honest, it is not necessary for India to make this change, but given Rishabh Pant’s continuous hectic schedule, giving him rest makes sense. This way, both Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad can be played together. If Pant is not rested then Kishan might be preferred above Ruturaj Gaikwad. 

All-rounders & Spinners: Venkatesh Iyer, Axar Patel & Ravichandran Ashwin

This is an area that has seen some brilliant performances with the ball from both the spinners. Both, Axar Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin have got the better of New Zealand batters in both the T20Is. To get more game time, Axar Patel and Ashwin shall continue to be the lead spinners for Team India. That means Yuzi Chahal will have to wait for his chance. 

Meanwhile, Venkatesh Iyer had had a decent outing on the second T20I where he helped Team India chase the target. Rohit and Dravid promoted Venkatesh up the order to get him more game time. The situation shall most likely be similar with Team India looking for Venkatesh to get more game time. He can also be looked to bowl a few important overs in the 3rd T20I.

Pacers: Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Harshal Patel & Avesh Khan

The pace department shall once again see an important change with Avesh Khan finally getting a chance to debut. The only question is in whose place will Avesh get a chance. One of Bhuvneshwar Kumar or Deepak Chahar will have to make way for him. But of the two, Deepak Chahar hasn’t been effective, and he should make way for Avesh. 

So, that completes the best predicted playing 11 for Team India for the 3rd T20 International vs New Zealand. Two changes are definitely expected 

India vs NZ 2021 – 3rd T20I Best Predicted Playing 11 for Team India:

Rohit Sharma (C), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan (WK), Shreyas Iyer, Venkatesh Iyer, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ravichandran Ashwin, Harshal Patel & Avesh Khan.  

Thanks for reading! What’s your best predicted playing 11 for 2021 India vs New Zealand 2021 3rd T20I? Please email your thoughts to business@cricalytics.com

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