India vs New Zealand, 3rd ODI tip-off XI: Sanju Samson unlikely to play, Kuldeep for Yuzvendra Chahal

The non-inclusion of Sanju Samson in the T20Is against New Zealand have raised eyebrows. While Samson’s omission invited plenty of criticism, but he was again ommited from the second ODI because India can’t afford to drop to Rishabh Pant and lack of bowling options among the specialist batters also effectively mean that Sanju Samson has to once again sit out, like the last game where Deepak Hooda, because of his all-round skills, was preferred over the immensely popular cricketer from Kerala.

Preps 🔛 #TeamIndia gear up for the 3⃣rd #NZvIND ODI in Christchurch 👌 👌 pic.twitter.com/2nkFpFNi77

— BCCI (@BCCI) November 29, 2022

Kuldeep over Chahal

Since the last match was a wash-out, it will be interesting if interim head coach VVS Laxman decides to shuffle with the playing XI, especially the bowling attack where Kuldeep Yadav is yet to get an opportunity. But to leave out either Yuzvendra Chahal or Washington Sundar will be doing them a disservice. Sundar has proved his worth with tha bat as well.

India vs New Zealand weather report

There is forecast of scattered showers in Christchurch. With more wet weather forecast it could be a good toss to win. We would expect the winning captain to bowl first.

India vs New Zealand Pitch Report

There have been five games in the last five years at the Hagley Oval. The average runs per over is 5.4. There have been two scores of more than 270, although one first-innings was reduced by rain to 23 overs.

Return to Hagley! Ahead of the team taking on India at a SOLD OUT Hagley Oval tomorrow hear from Tim Southee and @dazmitchell47 about why they enjoying playing at the ground in @Christchurch_NZ. #NZvIND. pic.twitter.com/UNfDbJEZNh

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) November 28, 2022

India vs New Zealand Predicted Playing XI

India Predicted XI: Shikhar Dhawan, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Deepak Hooda, Washington Sundar, Deepak Chahar, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Umran Malik

New Zealand Predicted XI: Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tom Latham, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Locki Ferguson, Matt Henry

India vs New Zealand Squads

India: Shikhar Dhawan (captain), Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Deepak Hooda, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Deepak Chahar, Arshdeep Singh, Shardul Thakur and Umran Malik.

New Zealand: Kane Williamson (captain), Finn Allen, Devin Conway, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Tim Southee, Matt Henry, Adam Milne, Jimmy Neesham, Mitchell Santner and Lockie Ferguson.

Third ODI Live on Amazon Prime, DD from 7 AM onwards