India vs New Zealand 5th T20I: Key Changes Expected in Playing XI
The fifth and final T20 International between India and New Zealand is set to witness significant changes in the Indian playing eleven, with the team management likely to rotate players after securing the series. The match, which serves as the series finale, will see the return of key players while resting some regulars.
Injury Returns and Strategic Rest
Ishan Kishan is expected to make his comeback after recovering from a minor niggle that kept him out of previous matches. His return adds firepower to the batting lineup, especially given his current form which positions him as a strong contender for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Axar Patel is also set to return to the side after missing action due to a finger injury sustained during the first T20I over a week ago. His all-round capabilities will bolster both the batting and bowling departments, providing balance to the team composition.
In a strategic move, Hardik Pandya is likely to be rested for this encounter. Having played all four matches in the series so far, the management aims to manage his workload effectively, especially with important tournaments on the horizon.
Batting Lineup Adjustments
The Indian think-tank is expected to address the batting concerns that emerged during the fourth T20I loss at Visakhapatnam, where the team opted for one less batter. With Kishan's return, there might be reshuffling in the top order.
Sanju Samson, who has struggled to make an impact throughout the series, will be looking to regain form in what could be a crucial innings for his international career. The Kerala-born wicketkeeper-batsman faces increasing competition, particularly with Kishan showing excellent form.
If Samson fails to deliver in this final match, India might consider promoting Kishan to the opening slot, creating space for other batting options. Meanwhile, Tilak Varma, who missed this series due to injury, is expected to join the team during warm-up matches and will likely slot into his preferred number three position in future assignments.
Predicted Playing Elevens
India Predicted XI:
- Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper)
- Abhishek Sharma
- Ishan Kishan
- Suryakumar Yadav (captain)
- Shivam Dube
- Rinku Singh
- Axar Patel
- Varun Chakaravarthy
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Arshdeep Singh
New Zealand Predicted XI:
- Tim Seifert (wicketkeeper)
- Finn Allen
- Rachin Ravindra
- Glenn Phillips
- Mark Chapman
- Daryl Mitchell
- Mitchell Santner (captain)
- Zakary Foulkes
- Matt Henry
- Ish Sodhi
- Jacob Duffy
Full Squad Details
India Squad: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Harshit Rana, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, Varun Chakaravarthy.
New Zealand Squad: Devon Conway, Tim Seifert (wicketkeeper), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (captain), Zakary Foulkes, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, James Neesham, Michael Bracewell, Lockie Ferguson, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson.
The final T20I promises exciting cricket action as both teams look to end the series on a high note. India will aim to maintain their dominance while testing bench strength, whereas New Zealand will seek to level the series with a strong performance in the concluding match.
