With a 2-0 series lead already in the bag, Team India has shown no interest in fixing what isn’t broken.
The BCCI on Tuesday unveiled an unchanged playing XI for the third One-Day International against New Zealand at Seddon Park, handing captain Shubman Gill the same group of players that has dominated the rain-hit series so far.
India’s Playing XI for the 3rd ODI:
- Shubman Gill (c)
- Rohit Sharma
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer (vc)
- Axar Patel
- KL Rahul (wk)
- Naman Dhir
- Anshul Kamboj
- Auqib Nabi
- Gurnoor Brar
- Arshdeep Singh
The message is clear: trust the process.
Gill continues to lead from the front in what has been an impressive start to his full-time ODI captaincy. The top order remains stacked with experience — Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli providing the firepower, Shreyas Iyer as vice-captain adding middle-order solidity, and KL Rahul keeping wicket.
All-rounder Axar Patel anchors the balance, while the lower order features the exciting young talents who have already made their presence felt in the series. Naman Dhir’s finishing ability, the pace of Anshul Kamboj, Auqib Nabi and Gurnoor Brar, and the left-arm swing of Arshdeep Singh give India a well-rounded attack suited to the conditions in Hamilton.
India have already won the first two ODIs, both of which were affected by rain and decided via the DLS method. A victory here would seal the five-match series with two games still to play — a statement result on New Zealand soil.
The visitors won the toss earlier and elected to bowl first under cloudy skies, a decision that could prove decisive if the weather continues to play a role.
With the Black Caps desperate to fight back in front of their home crowd, Gill’s men will be looking to maintain their clinical edge and push closer to series glory.
The stage is set in Hamilton. India are ready.
