New Zealand Playing XI for 3rd T20I [Source: X]India has gained a massive upper hand after two dominant wins in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand. In a bid to bounce back, the visitors might consider making a few changes for the match in Guwahati, Assam, as things have not gone their way in the first two T20Is. Although they managed a solid victory in the ODI series, the New Zealand team, led by Mitchell Santner, have suffered two heavy defeats in the opening T20Is. If they want to stay alive in the series, they must turn things around in the third match. With several players struggling for form in the current playing XI, New Zealand do have options on the bench within their T20I squad. Let us take a look at how New Zealand can put together its best possible playing XI to give India a strong challenge in the third T20I on January 25. New Zealand likely Playing XI vs India - 3rd T20I Openers and Top Order - Devon Conway, Tim Seifert and Rachin Ravindra New Zealand’s top order looks well settled with Tim Seifert and Devon Conway opening the innings. The duo helped New Zealand race to 64 runs in the powerplay, with Conway and Seifert adding 43 runs off just 20 deliveries. After Conway’s dismissal, Rachin Ravindra walked in and later picked up the pace alongside Glenn Phillips, scoring a solid 44 off 26 balls. With Conway and Seifert showing decent form and giving New Zealand early momentum, they remain the best options to open, with Rachin Ravindra slotting in at number three to steady the innings in case of an early setback. Middle Order and All-Rounders - Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Bevon Jacobs and Mitchell Santner Following Ravindra, Glenn Phillips is likely to bat at number four, especially after his blistering form in the ODI series. Phillips scored 150 runs in three ODIs at an average of 75 and continued that momentum in the first T20I with a commanding 78 off 40 balls, albeit in a losing cause. His role at number four could be crucial in maintaining the scoring rate through the middle overs. At number five, Daryl Mitchell is expected to continue, given his consistent form. However, instead of Mark Chapman at number six, New Zealand could consider bringing in Bevan Jacobs after Chapman’s sub-par outing in the second T20I. Jacobs has been in fine form in the Super Smash 2025-26, scoring 361 runs from just six matches at an average of 90.25. With such strong recent numbers, he could be given an opportunity ahead of an out-of-form Chapman. Batting after Jacobs would be New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner, who is also in red-hot form. Santner remained unbeaten on a solid 47 off 27 balls in the second T20I. With his confidence high, he could once again play a key role as a stabiliser and finisher for New Zealand in the middle and death overs. Bowlers - Kristian Clarke, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi and Jacob Duffy Kristian Clarke was expensive in the first T20I against India. However, considering Zak Foulkes’ outing with the ball, where he conceded 67 runs in his three overs, and was their bowling weak link, Clarke could be recalled to the XI. This is mainly due to his strong performance in the ODI series, where he picked up seven wickets from three matches at an economy rate of just 6.78. Apart from a possible switch involving Kristian Clarke, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, and Jacob Duffy are likely to continue leading the bowling attack, as the trio proved to be effective wicket-takers in the previous match. Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell, along with skipper Mitchell Santner, can also contribute with useful spin bowling to round off a balanced bowling unit. NZ likely Playing XI vs IND - 3rd T20I 2026 - Tim Seifert (wk), Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Bevon Jacobs, Mitchell Santner (C), Kristian Clarke, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy
