The India-New Zealand ODI series stands tied at 1-1 ahead of the third match in Indore. India aims to secure their first bilateral ODI series win on home soil, while New Zealand seeks to build on their recent victory. Key changes and player pressures will shape the contest.
The third One Day International between India and New Zealand is set for Indore, with the series level at 1-1. India claimed the opener in Vadodara, but New Zealand responded with a win in Rajkot. Shubman Gill's side now targets maintaining their undefeated record in bilateral ODIs and achieving a first series victory in India.
Pressure mounts on all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, whose recent form has drawn criticism. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate remarked after the Rajkot match that Reddy 'does not do a whole lot to impact the match even when he is given a chance.' A strong showing in Indore could secure his place in the 50-over format; otherwise, his opportunities may dwindle.
India is expected to adjust their lineup by including Arshdeep Singh in place of Prasidh Krishna. The predicted playing XI features Shubman Gill as captain, alongside Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul as wicketkeeper, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, and Arshdeep Singh.
New Zealand, riding high from their second-match success, plans to retain the same XI from Rajkot. Their anticipated team includes Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Hay as wicketkeeper, Michael Bracewell as captain, Zakary Foulkes, Kristian Clarke, Kyle Jamieson, and Jayden Lennox.
Full squads for both teams provide depth options, but the focus remains on this decisive encounter to clinch the series.
