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

#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.