As India look to bounce back from their crushing loss against Pakistan, three Wisden writers pick the India XI for their second T20 World Cup 2021 match, against New Zealand on October 31.
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India began their T20 World Cup campaign with a heavy ten-wicket defeat against Pakistan on October 24, which puts pressure on them as they gear up to face New Zealand. The ‘Men in Blue’ might look to make a few changes to their XI, with the form of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Hardik Pandya, in particular, remains a worry.
Three Wisden writers on the changes India should make for the match against the Kiwis.
Aadya Sharma, Wisden India editor
Out: Bhuvneshwar Kumar
In: Ravichandran Ashwin
While there’s really no need to press the panic button, India’s bowling attack has looked a bit undercooked, and the lack of early wickets could be a real concern going forward. In such a situation, I am not against them bringing in another spinner, and a bowler of the experience and calibre of Ravichandran Ashwin could really add much-needed bite, even if it’s at the expense of seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
I would prefer having him in the role of Varun Chakravarthy in the powerplay, with Chakravarthy pushed to play the holding role alongside Ravindra Jadeja in the middle overs. Given the kind of flexibility Ashwin shows, the roles can be swapped too, with him operating in the middle overs alongside Jadeja. Then again, the change would depend on Hardik Pandya’s fitness: if he’s able to chip in with a couple of overs of seam, having three spinners at your disposal won’t really be a bad call.
Sarah Waris, Wisden India staff writer
Out: Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar
In: Ishan Kishan, Shardul Thakur
I would want Ishan Kishan to open the innings, with KL Rahul being pushed down to four. Kishan offers a left-right combination at the top and is an aggressive player in the powerplay overs. Hardik Pandya has not really been at his best in the IPL this year, and the fact that he is playing as a specialist batter tempts me to pick Kishan, who offers more.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar, too, has not had the best IPL, and Shardul Thakur comes in over R Ashwin. The last game against Pakistan had considerable dew in the second innings, and playing three spinners might not be the best move.
Divy Tripathi, Wisden India staff writer
Out: Varun Chakravarthy, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Suryakumar Yadav
In: Ishan Kishan, R Ashwin, Shardul Thakur
I’d like India to back their go-to T20 players with a few tweaks. Given his explosivity, Ishan Kishan is a must-pick for my middle-order. Hardik Pandya was seen bowling a few days back, so he makes it to the team as the sixth bowling option.
Most of the sides have used their spinners to good effect in the powerplay overs, and someone like R Ashwin can do that job for India. I would’ve loved to play Bhuvneshwar, but I think India would do well with Shardul Thakur’s X-factor in this game.
