Former player Cheteshwar Pujara predicts Virat Kohli will score a century in India vs New Zealand series

Despite the Indian team demonstrating dominance in the T20 series against New Zealand, taking a 2-0 lead in the five-match tournament, there is another side to the coin. While the Indian batsmen are playing successfully, their bowlers are struggling to make an impression.

In the upcoming match on Tuesday, India will face the task not only of winning the series but also of addressing shortcomings in their bowling game. This match will start in Wellington at 12:30 Indian time. The team, led by Shreyas Iyer, intends to maintain its momentum towards victories.

However, attention will be focused on the players responsible for bowling in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, who has been rested, and during Hardik Pandya's recovery period. Special hope is placed on Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Arshdeep Singh, who are expected to deliver better performances.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar's return to international cricket after four years away has not yet met expectations. In the first two matches played in Christchurch, he conceded 49 and 50 runs respectively for his four overs. An experienced swing bowler was expected to trouble the New Zealand batsmen with his cunning and precise line and length, but so far he has not managed this.

Nevertheless, Indian bowling coach Morne Morkel supported Bhuvneshwar, noting that there is a significant difference between local level training and the pressure of international cricket. Bhuvneshwar had to prepare for his return to the team in a short time, and even small mistakes at the international level can prove costly.

The reserve ground in Wellington will be a new test for Bhuvneshwar. The strong and variable winds blowing there can help the ball swing. Bhuvneshwar has a chance to demonstrate his strength, but India needs not only his experience but also wickets and economical bowling.

Arshdeep Singh's role will also be crucial. This left-arm fast bowler has the ability to direct the ball away from right-handed batsmen and inwards when necessary. Top-order batsmen in New Zealand include Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, and Daryl Mitchell, who have yet to show their full potential in the series.

In the hosts' batting lineup, Glenn Phillips made a significant contribution, scoring half-centuries in the middle order. Ben Vance also scored runs in the previous match. India aims to prevent New Zealand from posting a large score by taking early wickets.

The hosts may also lack fast bowlers Lockie Ferguson and Matt Henry, who were rested as part of workload management. Matt Fisher and Blair Tickner were included instead. This could be a relief for the Indian batsmen, but they will have to play according to the conditions.

Indian batsmen brought the team wins in high-scoring matches in the first two games. However, the cold evenings of New Zealand and the strong winds in Wellington will not make the game easy. Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, and 15-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi must focus on their technique and shot selection in these conditions.

Vaibhav's performance in New Zealand conditions will be important experience for his future. The opportunities gained in international cricket at such a young age can help him improve his game.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir's strategy of using Tilak Verma, Naman Dira, and Nitish Kumar Reddy in the middle order proved effective in the first two matches. India tested 13 players in the first two games. Vaibhav Suryavanshi got a chance instead of injured Ishan Kishan, and in the second match, Prince Yadav replaced Mainak Yadav.

India won the five-match T20 series against New Zealand during the 2020 tour with a score of 5-0. In the next tour in 2022-23, the Indian team also won this match, which was not cancelled due to bad weather. Now the team has another opportunity to assert its dominance in New Zealand.

A win on Tuesday will give India an undisputed 3-0 advantage in the five-match series. However, the importance of this match is not limited to just winning the series. Batting has helped the team get through difficulties so far; now the bowlers must also justify the trust. Scoring big is good, but a strong team is one that can restrict the opponent's batsmen.

The third match of the five-match T20 tournament between India and New Zealand will take place on October 27 (Tuesday) at Henry Stadium in Wellington. According to Indian time, the game will start at 12:30 PM.

Before this match, young Indian batter Vaibhavi Suryavanshi received special advice from the team's head coach, Gautam Gambhir. During a training session, Gautam Gambhir explained the nuances of batting, holding a bat, to Vaibhavi Suryavanshi. Sanju Samson was present nearby at that time.

Since Ishan Kishan is unavailable for the third T20 match, Vaibhavi is likely to be included in the starting lineup again. However, it remains a mystery whether he will get the opportunity to bat at the beginning of the game or play at number three.

The photo from the training session shows Gautam Gambhir explaining some aspects related to batting to the young player, who is 15 years old. The young batter is attentively listening to the coach's instructions. This guidance from Gambhir is considered extremely important for Vaibhavi before the third T20. To succeed in international cricket, he needs to make the most of this opportunity.

If Vaibhavi Suryavanshi is placed at the top order, he will be able to demonstrate aggressive play from the very beginning. At the same time, playing at number three will give him a chance to show his style of play depending on the course of the match. Previously, in the second T20 match, he played at number three, where he scored only 4 runs. This was the first time in his T20 career that he played at this position.

Vaibhavi Suryavanshi has already attracted attention due to his aggressive play. Now he has a chance to demonstrate his talent in the third T20 against New Zealand. The interaction with Gautam Gambhir shows that preparation is being given attention before the match. Indian fans are eagerly awaiting how the young batter will perform on the international stage and what role the coaching staff will assign him.

India's squad includes: Sanju Samson (Wicketkeeper), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Verma (Vice-Captain), Shreyas Iyer (Captain), Shivam Dubey, Akshar Patel, Naman Dir, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Bhubneshwar Kumar, Arshadip Singh, Mayank Yadav, Prince Yadav, Vaibhavi Suryavanshi, Varun Chakravarty, Kuldeep Yadav, and Kumar Kushagra (Wicketkeeper).