India vs New Zealand, 3rd ODI Match Summary

If India beating New Zealand in the opening ODI came as no surprise, their defeat in Rajkot certainly did. A depleted New Zealand side outplaying a star-studded Indian team was a timely reminder that cricket owes no one guarantees and everything depends on the way you perform on the day. The Black Caps showed their fighting spirit in the first game, and the result in Rajkot would have boosted their confidence and belief.  Bowling remains New Zealand's weaker suit on paper, but in both matches it has punched well above its weight. India, meanwhile, once again struggled against spin. In Rajkot, they managed just 89 runs from 23 overs of spin, lost two wickets, and never truly seized control. In contrast, the Kiwis collected 126 runs off 18 overs against quality Indian spinners, losing only one wicket. The difference lies in their use of the sweep and reverse sweep, options the Indian batters rarely explored. This is clearly an area India will look to address.  The series decider moves to Indore, a venue known for big scores, with an average first innings total of 331. Pace or spin matters less here than intent. For the record, spinners at the Holkar Stadium average 32.5 compared to 48.4 for pacers. It is hard to see India making changes, especially in their batting ranks, but if they do look at their bowling options, Arshdeep Singh could be considered.  New Zealand have already impressed on this tour, and a win here would give them their maiden ODI series victory on Indian soil. It will not be easy, though, with the Men in Blue boasting a perfect record at this venue, 7 wins from 7 ODIs. Still, if the Black Caps keep their fighting instincts alive and get their processes right, they have the ability to push India all the way. It promises to be an entertaining contest, with plenty of fireworks on offer.