India’s Strategy for the Third Test Against New Zealand: Predicted XI and Key Changes

As the Indian cricket team prepares to face New Zealand in the third and final Test at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on November 1, there is expected to be some big change. The Indian team management is likely to introduce fresh faces and shuffle the playing XI after a disappointing series result, as the Kiwis have already sealed the win. The match might be inconsequential in the scheme of this series, but the battle for the WTC final is wide open, and every game is crucial for qualification to the summit clash. Four out of the remaining six Tests will do the job for India.

Predicted XI Changes in the Indian Line-up: Key Players to Watch

The middle order is going to be identical to that of the first Test. Though Shreyas Iyer was absent, his void has been filled by the addition of Jaiswal, who has batted well in both games and Rohit and Virat, who have managed a single fifty-plus score each. Shubman Gill, who replaced him in the second Test, scored 30 and 23 and will look for a better contribution in Mumbai.

Middle order is more prone to changes where Sarfaraz Khan can even come at No. 4. Right-handed batsman Sarfaraz has also shown potential by scoring a crucial knock of 150 in the first Test played at Bengaluru though he batted further down the game thereafter. If Sarfaraz were pushed back to his usual slot, Kohli could bat down the order to No. 5. Then Gill would just slot into the one-down position, where he’d be brilliant.

India vs New Zealand: What to Expect in the Final Test

Wicketkeeping spot under threat Dhruv Jurel may get an opportunity in this Test since Rishabh Pant is highly unlikely to be considered at least for three Tests keeping in view that he has got a knee injury which was suffered in Bengaluru. Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia is about weeks away. This way, the senior wicketkeeper would get enough practice time before the five match Test series.

The bowling staff will be closely watched, and Wankhede pitch would suit the spinners, while India will probably send the spinners trio consisting of Washington Sundar, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja for this match because they were the ones whom it was supposed to pay off. Spinners bagged 33 of 40 wickets in a Test played here, as well as New Zealand’s spinner Ajaz Patel claimed nine wickets in an innings.

The pace bowling lineup is another area where changes could be contemplated, with the workload of key pacer Jasprit Bumrah being a subject of discussion. Given the upcoming series against Australia, there have been suggestions about resting Bumrah to manage his workload better. However, the management is likely to play him in the third Test, considering there will be a 10-day break after the conclusion of the series before the preparations for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy commence. The choice between Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep remains to be seen, though Akash Deep has been included in the squad for the Australia series as well.

For the cricketing fanatics who are waiting to “watch live cricket for free” and are seeing action, it would be a great ride for them as the team tries to get the right mix for the Wankhede Test.

India is going to field Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Sarfaraz Khan, Virat Kohli, Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Ravichandran Ashwin, Akash Deep, and Jasprit Bumrah in the third Test. The strategic changes within the squad are with an aim to give young talents chances while keeping a long-term eye on qualification for the WTC final and getting ready for the crucial series against Australia.

The battle will be intriguing at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, where the Indian team is to regain momentum and get ready for the grueling cricket schedule that lies ahead.The decisions here would also decide the road that future selections may take and even can be a springboard for a new “godfather of cricket” from the young boys stepping up to the task.

FAQ

Q. Will Rishabh Pant play in the third Test against New Zealand?

A. Doubtful. Rishabh Pant suffered a knee injury during the Bengaluru Test. Dhruv Jurel is to replace him as wicket-keeper.

Q. Is Jasprit Bumrah rested for the third Test?

A. Though much speculation had been doing the rounds on resting Bumrah for a bit of his workload management, it’s highly unlikely that he’ll not feature in the third Test with a break post this series going into the Australia series.

Q. How different will India’s batting be for the third Test?

A. Sarfaraz Khan may find a slot at No. 4, Virat Kohli at No. 5, and Shubman Gill one-down.

Q. Who would lead the spin charge for India in the third Test?

A. Chances are that Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar would comprise the Indian spin troika as the spin-friendly conditions are likely to prevail at Wankhede Stadium.

Q. How close is India to qualifying for the World Test Championship final?

A. India needs to win four of the last six Test matches to be sure of their place in the WTC final. The third Test against New Zealand marks the beginning of this critical phase.