After an underwhelming show in the T20 World Cup so far, Team India will want to start afresh in the T20I format. New Zealand will tour India for 3 T20Is and 2 Tests. The T20I series will start on November 17th in Jaipur. Rahul Dravid will coach the side, and there will be a new captain on board. A few of the seniors could be rested after having played a lot of cricket in recent months. The focus of the management will be on the 2022 T20 World Cup. In this article, we take a look at the list of five Indian players who could get an opportunity in the T20I series against New Zealand.
1) Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad is one of the Indian players who could get an opportunity in the T20I series against New Zealand. The Maharashtra opener got a few games when India toured Sri Lanka a couple of months ago but failed to impress. However, after his stunning show in the UAE leg of IPL 2021, Ruturaj is certain to get a long run in the blue jersey.
The Chennai Super Kings opener won the Orange Cap in IPL 2021 after scoring 635 runs at an average of 45.36. There are chances that the likes of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli could be rested, especially with the Test series to follow. Hence, Rutu could get a chance in the team.
2) Venkatesh Iyer
Team India is in serious need of depth in both departments of the game. With Hardik Pandya not bowling in recent months, this has gone for a toss. Also, a backup medium-pace bowling all-rounder is a must and here is where Venkatesh Iyer can come in.
The tall player was a revelation in the UAE leg of IPL 2021. He was one of the major reasons for KKR’s massive turnaround. Apart from scoring 370 runs and collecting three wickets, Venkatesh showed a lot of temperament and potential. India must groom him, and the New Zealand series is the right place to start it.
3) Harshal Patel
Harshal Patel surprised all with a remarkable display in IPL 2021. He took 32 wickets and won the Purple Cap. Very few had expected him to do that before the tournament started.
Harshal deserves an opportunity in Team India. The Haryana player has also started the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in a fine fashion. Interestingly, he opened the batting for his team in the first game. Harshal’s confidence in his batting skills will be a massive bonus for India if it comes good.
4) Avesh Khan
Avesh Khan is one of the Indian players who could get an opportunity in the T20I series against New Zealand. He collected 24 wickets in IPL 2021 at a good average of 18.75. He was effective at all stages of the innings.
The pace attack of Team India could be in for a rehash. Bhuvneshwar Kumar is likely to be dropped, and Jasprit Bumrah might be rested. Hence, we could have a few newcomers, and it is the right time to start investing in the potential of Avesh Khan.
5) Arshdeep Singh
As mentioned before, India’s pace attack is likely to feature a few newcomers for the New Zealand series. One aspect Rahul Dravid might focus on is to have a left-arm pace option in the team. T Natarajan promised that, but he has been through a rough patch lately due to injuries. While Nattu himself could get another chance, Arshdeep Singh will also be a part of the discussions.
In 12 games, the youngster collected 18 wickets at an average of 19 for Punjab Kings in IPL 2021. The player impressed all with his ability to stay calm under pressure. He also did well at the death. Natarajan is 30-years-old and looking at the future, amongst Chetan Sakariya and Arshdeep, the latter could get an opportunity to play against the Kiwis.
