Hamilton, 09 November (H.S.): India will take the field against New Zealand in the third One-Day International (ODI) at Seddon Park on Tuesday, aiming to secure an unassailable lead and clinch the five-match series. India currently lead 2-0. However, defeating an injury-hit New Zealand side on its home turf will not be straightforward, particularly given the conditions at the venue, which are expected to favour fast bowlers and test the Indian top order.

Apart from Virat Kohli, the other members of India's batting line-up have not looked entirely comfortable in the first two matches. Captain Shubman Gill and experienced opener Rohit Sharma have also struggled against the pace attack. Securing the series will be Gill's immediate priority before he leaves the squad to prepare for the two-match Test series. Shreyas Iyer will take over the captaincy for the final two ODIs.

Rain could also influence the third encounter. Cold and damp conditions are likely to offer additional swing and bounce, potentially making batting a challenging proposition.

Rohit Sharma, in particular, will be keen to improve his performance after an indifferent start to the series. He was dismissed without scoring in the opening match and managed only 23 runs in the second. Over the past year, Rohit has modified his batting approach, preferring to build his innings initially before shifting to an aggressive mode. Until the 2023 ODI World Cup, he was known for taking risks and scoring quickly from the outset. However, the results of his revised approach have been mixed.

New Zealand's conditions have traditionally demanded a cautious approach from visiting batters, but Rohit has not appeared particularly comfortable in either of the first two matches. Kohli, by contrast, looked in good touch during the second ODI despite spending only a limited period at the crease.

Questions Over Rahul Being Sent in at No. 5

India are unlikely to make major changes to their winning combination, but head coach Gautam Gambhir may reconsider the strategy of promoting Axar Patel to the No. 5 position.

During the second ODI in Wellington, Axar was sent in to bat ahead of experienced wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul. Rahul subsequently played a useful unbeaten innings of 26 runs, helping India recover from a difficult situation.

The decision to send Axar ahead of Rahul was intended to introduce a left-handed batter into the middle order, as all four batters in the top order are right-handed. However, Axar's batting has not appeared particularly effective in conditions offering additional swing and uneven bounce.

Axar is also India's only specialist spinner in the playing combination, while the other top-order batters do not regularly contribute with the ball. This limits Gambhir's options, including the possibility of bringing in an aggressive batter such as Ishan Kishan at that position. Kishan is expected to take over wicketkeeping duties in the final two matches, while Rahul will join the Test squad.

India's pace attack has performed well so far. Auqib Nabi has picked up wickets, while Gurnoor Brar, Anshul Kamboj and Arshdeep Singh have also made an impact. However, the favourable New Zealand conditions have also contributed to the bowlers' success. With the Test series beginning in around 10 days, there appears to be little reason to risk Mohammed Siraj in this encounter.

**New Zealand's Batting Also a Cause for Concern**

New Zealand, meanwhile, have not performed to expectations despite playing in familiar home conditions. Captain Mitchell Santner has lost the toss in both matches, but the team's biggest concern has been the failure of its top order. The batters' struggles in the opening two encounters have placed additional pressure on the bowling attack.

The absence of Devon Conway due to concussion and Rachin Ravindra owing to injury has further complicated New Zealand's preparations. Experienced batter Tom Latham has also struggled to score runs. The top-three combination of Tim Seifert, Will Young and Henry Nicholls has failed to build substantial partnerships in either of the first two matches.

New Zealand will also be without fast bowler Blair Tickner, who has been ruled out of the third ODI after suffering a concussion. Kristian Clarke, who recently featured in an unofficial Test match against India A, has been called up as his replacement.

For Latham and Nicholls, the third ODI will provide a final opportunity to regain form and confidence before the Test series. Both experienced batters have struggled in the first two encounters and will be eager to produce substantial contributions ahead of the longer format.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar