New Zealand vs India 2019: 3 changes India could make in the first T20I

India comprehensively defeated New Zealand in the ODI series to cement their status as one of the frontrunners for the World Cup later this year. A major blip at Hamilton aside, the visitors had an answer to every question the hosts posed.

Thus, the hosts would look towards the T20I series to restore some parity and ensure India don’t run away with all the spoils.

The first T20 is going to take place at Wellington on Wednesday and with India chopping and changing over the last couple of ODIs, one can expect them to field their strongest eleven to draw first blood.

Yet, it is quite difficult to establish what India’s best combination in the shortest format is. Thus, through the course of this article, we would chalk out the eleven that should take the field on Wednesday and why those changes are necessary.

Without further ado, here is a look at them.

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#3. Bring back Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep has bamboozled batsmen with his brand of bowling

For the final game at Wellington, India rested Kuldeep Yadav to give Vijay Shankar another bite at the cherry. Though the latter performed admirably before indulging in a comical run-out, he might just be the unlucky one to miss out on Wednesday.

Throughout the ODI series, the New Zealand batsmen looked at sea against India’s spin twins. While Chahal bagged the lion’s share of the wickets, it was the pressure built up by Kuldeep which helped the former to run riot. Thus, with such a beautiful partnership blossoming between the two, it makes no sense to not play the duo in tandem.

Moreover, Kuldeep is more suited to the T20 format as batsmen are left with no other alternative but to make the play. And with the left-arm spinner a skilful operator, the opposition batsmen invariably perish. Additionally, in a T20 game, it is ludicrous to insure oneself with batting security too low down the order.

If Pandya is fit, he would assume the all-rounder role and slot easily into No.7 and a player of his calibre at that position is a luxury most teams can’t afford. Hence, the inclusion of Kuldeep should be a no-brainer and a decision one can expect rather than be startled at.

#2 Play Dinesh Karthik

Karthik would be the ideal finisher in the T20 format

Dinesh Karthik was left out of the starting eleven in the final ODI as MS Dhoni made his return to the fold. However, in the games preceding the encounter, the former had proven himself to be a bankable option in the middle-order.

Over the course of the Australia and New Zealand series, one thing became clear, Karthik relishes the shorter situations where he doesn’t need to think much about his batting and can play his natural game.

He did so at Adelaide and ably supported MS in the run chase while the said trait again came to the fore in the third ODI in New Zealand. However, when presented with the opportunity to build an innings, the lad from Tamil Nadu failed to capitalise. The games at Sydney and Hamilton being prime examples.

The action now shifts to the shortest format, where Karthik will rarely be coming in with more than eight overs to bat. Thus, India can unlock his vast finishing potential and his blend of brawn and brain could work a treat.

Though there is no doubt that Karthik needs to play at Wellington, getting him into the XI is a slightly trickier proposition. A probable change could be bringing in Karthik for Jadhav as India might not need the latter to roll his arm over in a T20 game. Hence, we can only wait to see how Karthik is accommodated in the XI if he is at all.

#1. Play Rishabh Pant at No.4

Pant has the ability to translate his Test success into the limited overs format

The wicketkeeper-batsman was accorded a ‘rest’ for the ODI series in Australia and New Zealand after an exhausting Test summer Down Under. However, with him back in the mix, India just needs to field him in the first T20.

Ambati Rayudu isn’t a part of the T20 setup and hence, the No.4 spot is up for grabs. Rishabh Pant would represent the perfect alternative as his brand of belligerent batting could be what India needs in a middle-order sans Kohli.

Blessed with the ability to clear the boundary at will, Pant will be a nightmare to bowl at for the spinners and would also provide a left-handed option in the middle phases.

In addition, Pant has performed exceedingly well in the IPL batting higher up the order. If the wicketkeeper can re-discover even a part of that sumptuous hitting, India would be primed to breach the ‘200-run barrier’ more often than not.

Moreover, the left-hander is in decent form and he gave a good account of himself in the recently concluded series against the England Lions. With international matches at a premium before the 2019 World Cup, India needs to explore every possible avenue for a hard-hitting middle-order batsman.

Pant certainly has all the ingredients to fill that void in England and with a run of games, he could just strengthen his case. And that string of matches will start on Wednesday.