Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna (Source: X)
In a significant development ahead of the third and final ODI against New Zealand, Indian captain Shubman Gill has made a tactical change to the playing XI, recalling left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh in place of Prasidh Krishna.
The series is currently tied 1-1, and the clash at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore promises to be a thrilling decider. Winning the toss, Shubman Gill opted to bowl first, indicating India’s intent to put pressure on the Kiwis from the outset.
India made a single change to their lineup, while New Zealand retained the same XI that had performed dominantly in the second ODI.
“We will bowl first. That is what we spoke about (on the decision to bowl), batting first, New Zealand put us under pressure. One of the decisions we are bowling first is that the surface looks good, don’t expect a lot of dew, runs on the board would let us chase better," Gill said after winning the toss.
“Need to vary our lengths in the middle-overs, that is what we want to do. One change, Arshdeep comes in place of Prasidh," Gill added.
Why did India drop Prasidh Krishna for 3rd ODI?
The decision to drop Prasidh Krishna comes after a series of underwhelming performances by the right-arm seamer. He has picked up just three wickets in two matches at a strike rate of 36 with an economy rate of 6.06 in the ongoing series.
The star bowler failed to make crucial breakthroughs when India needed them most. His inability to read the game and deliver at key moments had put the Indian management in a difficult position in the second ODI.
Arshdeep Singh replaces Prasidh Krishna in 3rd ODI
On the other hand, Arshdeep Singh's return has been widely welcomed. The left-arm pacer, known for his ability to swing the ball both ways and execute effective variations at the death, offers India a more versatile bowling option.
Arshdeep’s exclusion from the second ODI had drawn criticism, with many questioning the logic behind sidelining a bowler capable of changing the course of the game.
His inclusion in the decider is seen as a move to strengthen India’s bowling attack and ensure early breakthroughs against the Kiwi top and middle order.
The series decider is of significant importance to both sides. India will be keen to start the year with a home series win. For New Zealand, a win would mark a historic milestone, a maiden ODI series triumph on Indian soil.
IND vs NZ 3rd ODI: Playing XIs
New Zealand Playing XI: Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell (c), Mitchell Hay (wk), Glenn Phillips, Jayden Lennox, Zak Foulkes, Kristian Clarke, Kyle Jamieson
India Playing XI: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (c), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (vc), KL Rahul (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh
