India vs New Zealand, 2019: 3 Changes India could make for the 2nd T20I

India was handed a mauling by New Zealand at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington. The visitors succumbed to an eighty run defeat and were completely outplayed in all three departments.

After the high of the ODI series, the Indian team was brought crashing down to earth courtesy a power-packed home display led by Tim Seifert.

While all of New Zealand’s experiments worked a charm, the same could hardly be said about India. The visitors’ decision to play a few batsmen too many completely back-fired as New Zealand capitalised on India’s relatively weakened bowling resources.

Though the Indians are yet to notch a T20I victory in New Zealand, they would hope to put an end to that wretched run if they harbour hopes of returning from the Southern Hemisphere with a spotless record.

Thus, through the course of this article, we would take a look at three changes India could make to emerge victorious at Auckland and keep the series alive.

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#3 Play Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill deserves another bite at the cherry

The teenager was handed an ODI debut at Hamilton after scoring tons of runs in the domestic circuit. The right-hander though, endured a tough baptism by fire as he could muster only a couple of single-digit scores.

Hence, it wasn’t a surprise when the youngster was overlooked for the first T20I.

However, India must be careful to not dent his confidence so early and must instead provide him with the best possible platform to establish himself. And the 2nd T20I could just be the ideal launch-pad.

In the past, Shubman Gill has batted in the top order for Kolkata Knight Riders and performed admirably.

While Gill’s inclusion could yet end up being a master-stroke, getting him into the team could be a slightly trickier proposition.

It would be a little too harsh to drop either Vijay Shankar or Rishabh Pant after a single game and resting one of the openers for a crunch game might not be a risk India would be willing to take.

Thus, at this juncture, one doesn’t know if the youngster will get his time in the T20I sun at Eden Park. Yet, he certainly is too good an option to ignore completely.

#2 Bring in Mohammed Siraj

Siraj could come in place of Khaleel

Mohammed Siraj has been a spectator so far on India’s tour Down Under. Having played a solitary ODI in Australia, the most vivid memory people have of the pacer currently is him taking an outstanding catch as a substitute fielder at Wellington. Yet, all that could change come Friday.

Shami isn’t a part of the T20 squad and thus, the spot for the second fast bowler was always going to be a toss-up between Khaleel and Siraj. India preferred the former and unfortunately for them, he turned in a poor display.

The left-arm seamer looked bereft of ideas and couldn’t make the most of the new ball. Moreover, he failed to execute his death overs plans and was easy fodder for the hosts.

Thus, with Khaleel not setting the world ablaze, India should look to bring in Siraj at Auckland.

Boasting of the ability to clock speeds in excess of 140 kmph, Siraj could be a real handful on the lively Auckland wicket. Additionally, the ground dimensions would suit his bowling with his tendency to bowl back of a length aided by the relatively longer square boundaries.

However, the aspect which firmly tilts the tide in his favour is his death bowling. Though Siraj hasn’t yet hit the heights he is capable of internationally, there is enough potential in him to harness.

If the Indian team actually gives him the nod ahead of Khaleel is anyone’s guess right now. Yet, with Khaleel failing, again and again, it is surely time to try someone else, isn’t it?

#1 Bring back Kuldeep Yadav

India's bowling attack looked one-dimensional in Kuldeep's absence

To the surprise of many, Kuldeep Yadav was left out of the starting eleven at Wellington. The Indian bowlers magnified his absence by putting together a listless performance.

For long periods, India’s bowling line-up looked pedestrian and none of the bowlers caused the hosts any problems. With the attack extremely one-dimensional, New Zealand was able to line up the Indian bowlers and hit them to all parts at will.

Though it would be understandable to not expose Kuldeep too much before the World Cup, India just needs to bring him back into the fold in a series decider.

Blessed with the attribute to turn the ball both ways, Kuldeep has historically been tough to handle in the shortest format. Moreover, Auckland is a high-scoring venue and the batsmen might just give in to the temptation of attacking him. And as many have found out before them, it might not be the smartest idea.

Thus, all the evidence points towards a recall for Kuldeep Yadav. Yet, with this team management, one just never knows.

India can still win without Kuldeep but surely things would get a lot easier with him in the mix.