India aims for whitewash against New Zealand in T20I series
Kolkata: With the series already in India’s kitty, head coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma may aim for whitewash heading into the dead rubber against New Zealand at Eden Gardens here on Sunday, but with the help of players who have been warming the benches. So there might be an opportunity in the playing XI for the likes of Ruturaj Gaikwad, Avesh Khan, Yuzvendra Chahal and Ishan Kishan, who have not yet featured in the series.
The new-look unit has been impressive so far, with experienced and newcomers gelling together nicely to guide India to seal the three-match T20I series with a game to spare.
India bowled exceptionally well in Ranchi to restrict New Zealand to 153 for 6, especially after the rapid start which the visitors enjoyed. The spinners first clawed the game back for the hosts and Harshal Patel was extremely impressive on his debut, with figures of 2 for 25.
In reply, Captain Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul gave a rollicking start, forcing New Zealand out of the game. Both notched up scintillating half-centuries in an opening stand of 117, but India lost three quick wickets. However, Rishabh Pant ensured India raced past 154 runs with two big hits in the 18th over.
The Blackcaps on the other hand will look to stop India from gaining a clean sweep. They have been competitive, but their batting at the backend has been a great let down for visitors. Kiwi bowlers seemed to struggle with heavy dew on the ground as Trent Boult, Mitchell Santner and Adam Milne couldn’t manage to take wickets.
They would like to quickly rectify this wrong and turn the tables on the hosts one last time in the series, though skipper Tim Southee raised concerns on tight scheduling that affected their ability to train and adapt to difficult Indian conditions.
