Kolkata, First Published Nov 21, 2021, 2:19 PM IST
Kolkata: With the T20 series already won, the Indian playing XI will be rescheduled for today’s match against New Zealand (IND vs NZ 3rd T20I) in Kolkata. At Eden Gardens Kolkata, Rohit Sharma and co may have undergone multiple changes. But Gautam Gambhir, a former player in the Indian playing XI, sees only one change. Gambhir says the Kolkata pitch is in his favor.
Gambhir told Star Sports that he hopes to rest senior pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar and replace him with Avesh Khan. Avesh was the second highest wicket-taker behind Herschelle Patel in IPL 2021. Avesh took 24 wickets in 16 matches at an economy of 7.37.
‘If bowling is considered, Bhuvneshwar Kumar can be rested and Avesh Khan can be played. The wicket in Kolkata is in his favor. So I want to see Avesh play in the match. Since the series has already been won, this is a good opportunity to test Avesh’s ability at the international level. This is the only change that is expected in the Indian team, ”Gambhir added.
India have already given two players a chance to make their debuts in the T20 series against New Zealand. India gave Venkatesh Iyer a chance in the first T20I and Herschelle Patel in the second. Venkatesh, who replaced Hardik, has yet to bowl but has scored 16 runs in two matches. Herschel, meanwhile, won the Man of the Match award for taking two wickets in Ranchi.
The final match of the India-New Zealand T20 series will be played today in Kolkata. The match will start at 7 pm. If he wins today, Rohit and his team can sweep the series. But New Zealand’s consolation victory comes ahead of a tense Test series. The change in the Indian playing XI is certain as they have already won the series in Jaipur and Ranchi.
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Last Updated Nov 21, 2021, 2:23 PM IST
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