India and New Zealand are all set to play their last international match before the World Cup in Thiruvananthapuram at the home ground of Sanju Samson. After losing the last game, the Indian team will look forward to having an exciting outing in the field. It will be interesting to see how Indian management handles their bench strength. For India, it will be a contest between experiments and balance.
Without having an Idea of the condition of Washington Sundar the Indian team gave chances to the players who can add value to the team. The management seems to be happy with the selections as Ishan Kishan and Ravi Bishnoi performed really well, coming back in the team after a long time. The only thing management is now thinking about is Sanju’s form. He is the only one who failed to score more than 20 runs among the batters.
Balance over experiments for this time?
The Indian team has experimented with the combination in all four matches. Now, it is high time to prioritise the balance over anything. It is expected that Ishan Kishan will be back in the side and Axar Patel is also set to make a comeback after getting hit by a ball in the first match.
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The contest between the two wicket keepers will be interesting to see as all eyes will be on Sanju as he is the only batter who has yet to hit big in this series. Today's match will be played on his home ground and it can be the last chance for him to prove himself.
Finn Allen will add value for New Zealand
Finn Allen has joined the team after ending the BBL season as the highest run scorer. He can join the XI in place of Rachin Ravindra who is yet to get runs. On the other hand, New Zealand will try to go with its full potential. Though, there is no confirmation about Michael Bracewell's participation.
Probable playing XI
India- Sanju Samson (WK), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Surya Kumar Yadav (C), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh.
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New Zealand- Tim Seifert (WK), Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman/Jimmy Neesham, Mitchel Santner, Zakary Foulkes, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy.
