India and New Zealand will continue their rivalry in the mega five-match series and the action now shifts to Seddon Park in Hamilton. It’s a high scoring venue and the third T20I should be a run-fest. It is almost confirmed that there will be few changes in playing XI of both the teams.
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Following disappointing performances from Shardul Thakur, the Indian team management is likely to take a call on him and might bring in Navdeep Saini. New Zealand, on the other hand, can give chance to Daryl Mitchell. Both the captains seemed to be positive after the end of the second T20I and hinted that there might not many changes in the playing XI.
Will Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant play?
India captain Virat Kohli clearly hinted that there will be no change in the playing XI, which will mean no place for neither of Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant. Both the players have warmed the bench in two matches so far and might continue to sit out in the third T20I as well.
Samson, who played the third T20I of the series against Sri Lanka, might only come in for Rohit Sharma or captain Virat Kohli himself if India rest key players for the last two games after winning the third T20I. On the West Indies tour last year, the visiting team had rested Rohit for the third T20I.
The chances of Risabh playing the T20I series are unlikely as KL Rahul isn’t expected to be rested at any point. He will play complete T20I and ODI series.
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Rishabh was a permanent choice for wicket-keeping duties but Rahul’s emergence as a wicket-keeper has seen him sit out for few matches now. Rishabh might not get a chance in ODIs as well. Samson isn’t a part ODI team.
Changes New Zealand might consider
The home team does not have many options available but they might leave out Blair Tickner. There are two bowling all-rounders on the bench and one them might come in for the third T20I. The match takes place at Seddon Park, Hamilton from 12:30 PM.