Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh returned to India’s playing eleven after captain Shubman Gill won the toss and opted to play the third and final ODI against New Zealand at the Holkar Stadium in Indore on Sunday.
The left-arm pacer replaced Prasidh Krishna and made a comeback after the Indian team management was criticized by several pundits for leaving him out of the playing eleven in the first two ODIs. Arshdeep’s inclusion gives India another tactical advantage, especially against New Zealand’s predominantly right-handed top and middle order.
IND vs NZ 3rd ODI: Live Updates
Known for his ability to swing the new ball, attack the stumps and execute yorkers at the death, Arshdeep offers variety to India’s pace attack. His presence is also expected to ease the burden on the spinners during the middle and late overs, allowing India to rely more on pace deliveries, wide yorkers and heavy lengths. These methods are considered more suitable for Indore conditions than long spin spells.
The home ODI series is well set, with New Zealand led by Michael Bracewell pushing India hard despite being second string. The hosts won the opener in Vadodara, but only after surviving a close contest did they chase down 301 with just a whisker. Virat Kohli’s smooth 93 proved crucial in guiding India home.
IND vs NZ: Playing XI
India: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill(c), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj
New Zealand: Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Hay(w), Michael Bracewell(c), Zakary Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Kristian Clarke, Jayden Lennox
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
January 18, 2026