IND vs NZ: 3 Changes India Could Make for 3rd ODI in Indore

Amit Patel (icccricketschedule.com)

Published: January 15, 2026 at 7:22 PM IST • Updated: January 16, 2026 at 12:01 AM IST

• 3 Min Read

IND vs NZ

After New Zealand defeated India by 7 wickets in the 2nd ODI at Rajkot, India will be looking to bounce back in the 3rd and final ODI, which will be played at Holkar Stadium in Indore on January 18, 2026. Currently, the three-match ODI series between India and New Zealand is tied 1-1, and the last ODI game is going to be a series decider for both teams.

However, India started the series on a positive note after they defeated New Zealand by 4 wickets in the 1st ODI as they chased down the target of 301 runs with a solid half-century from Virat Kohli. But, New Zealand outsmarted India in the 2nd ODI and shifted the whole momentum of the series.

After the loss in the 2nd ODI, the Indian Team is likely to make some changes in the Playing XI. Some of the youngsters are likely to get a chance in the IND vs NZ 3rd ODI; however, it’s going to be a close contest between India and New Zealand, especially after the fantastic performance from the Kiwi players in the 2nd ODI.

Arshdeep Singh replacing Prasidh Krishna

India’s bowling department has been a concern for the team in ODI cricket, especially when Jasprit Bumrah isn't part of the squad. Arshdeep Singh has also been rested for the first two ODI games due to workload management. The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is just a few weeks ahead, and an injury to players like him will be a massive blow for India.

Therefore, the Indian Team management isn’t risking him in the IND vs NZ ODI series, but he is likely to play the series decider as the duo of Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana isn’t working well for the Indian Team.

Ayush Badoni to get a debut Chance.

Youngster Ayush Bandoni was added to the squad after Washington Sunder was ruled out due to a rib injury in the IND vs NZ 1st ODI. However, he did not get a chance in the second ODI as Nitish Kumar Reddy replaced Washington Sunder in the Playing XI.

But Reddy failed to have a good performance in the second ODI; he was able to score only 20 runs and also went wicketless. On the other hand, Badoni has played well in domestic cricket in recent times; therefore, He might get picked in the Playing XI for the 3rd ODI.

Dhruv Jurel in place of Ravindra Jadeja

Jadeja’s performance has been declining in ODIs, and he struggled with both bat and ball in the ongoing IND vs NZ ODI series. In the first two matches, Jadeja failed to get wickets and also could not make a significant contribution with the bat. India’s batting lacked firepower in the middle order during the second ODI.

With the pitch at Indore that favors batters, India may look for Dhurv Jurel, who will be a strong option in the middle-order, especially on grounds like Indore. However, Jadeja is an experienced all-rounder, and he can bat and bowl, while Jurel can only bat.

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