![India's Predicted Playing XI vs New Zealand for 3rd ODI [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1794207760054_IndiaPlayingXI3rdODINewZealand.jpg?type=hq)
India's Predicted Playing XI vs New Zealand for 3rd ODI [Source: AFP]
New Zealand is set to host India in the third ODI of the 5-game series on Tuesday, November 10. The match will be held at Seddon Park in Hamilton at 7:30 AM IST.
India are currently leading the series by 2-0 after they managed to win the opening two ODIs, which were severely impacted by bad weather. The seam-friendly conditions have become a blessing in disguise for the Indian bowlers, especially the pacers.
Interestingly, rain is again expected to interrupt the third ODI in Hamilton. Hence, India will likely opt for a better playing XI combination to secure the series.
On that note, let’s analyse India’s best playing XI for the third ODI vs New Zealand.
Top Order - Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (c), Virat Kohli
India’s opening combination is sealed with Rohit Sharma pairing with captain Shubman Gill. Rohit has scored 23 runs in the series so far but has failed to convert good starts into big scores.
On the other hand, skipper Gill was dismissed on a golden duck in the 2nd ODI. But he did contribute 37 runs in the first ODI. Regardless, as a leader, Gill is expected to give a strong opening to India in the third ODI.
At no. 3, India will field the best man in the business, Virat Kohli. He scored a match-winning half-century in the first ODI, thus helping India win in a tough chase. Hence, his role, especially if the men in blue bat second, will be pivotal.
Middle Order - Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Naman Dhir, Axar Patel
In the middle order, Shreyas Iyer will retain his place at no. 4. He has also scored 45 runs in 2 games with 76 strike rate. However, his short-ball flaw was exposed again, and he must fix that technical error to succeed in New Zealand conditions.
KL Rahul, meanwhile, guided India well in the 135-run chase in the second ODI. He scored 26* runs and forms small partnerships to ensure the team doesn’t collapse. Hence, it’s important that Rahul plays the anchor role at no. 5.
In the all-rounder category, Naman Dhir and Axar Patel will retain their places in the playing XI. Dhir has scored 17 runs in limited opportunities that he got in the last two games. But he still has enough to offer, especially as an all-rounder.
As for Axar, he was promoted up the order but failed to capitalise on it. With the ball, he has picked up 2 wickets. Since conditions are unfavourable for spinners, Patel will play over Kuldeep Yadav due to his all-round skills.
Bowlers - Anshul Kamboj, Gurnoor Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj
It goes without saying that India will opt for a pace-heavy bowling lineup for the third ODI against New Zealand. Anshul Kamboj redeemed himself after a terrible England tour by picking up 4 wickets for 11.75 average in the last 2 ODIs.
Be it middle overs or death, Kamboj has troubled the New Zealand batters enough to retain his place in the third ODI. Apart from him, Gurnoor Brar has become an unexpected lead pacer in this ODI series for India.
He picked up a 4-wicket-haul in the last game and is overall India’s leading wicket-taker with 7 wickets. His spell with the new ball has been exceptional, and India will certainly look to give Brar more opportunities before the 2027 World Cup.
Arshdeep Singh, who finally made it to the ODI lineup in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, left a good impact when he picked up a 4-wicket-haul in the first ODI, which helped India restrict New Zealand to 185 runs. Hence, Arshdeep will also likely retain his place in the playing XI.
As for the fourth pace, India might opt for a change. With Mohammed Siraj joining the squad, it’s highly likely that he’ll get a game. He may replace Auqib Nabi, who picked up 2 wickets in this series but at a high average of 32.
Hence, if Siraj were to play, Nabi would have to make way for him. Overall, for the third ODI against New Zealand, India is expected to make just one change to their winning combination.
India's predicted playing XI vs New Zealand- 3rd ODI, 2026
Shubman Gill (C), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Naman Dhir, Axar Patel, Anshul Kamboj, Arshdeep Singh, Gurnoor Brar, Mohammed Siraj
