Predicted India Playing XI 3rd Test: Jasprit Bumrah to play, no Harshit Rana

The stage is set for the IND vs NZ 3rd Test. With India having lost the series 2-0, it is now time for retribution. The Rohit Sharma-led squad will be aiming to grab at least a win to remain at the top step of the World Test Championship (WTC) Standings. Contrary to reports, Jasprit Bumrah is likely to feature in the game

With Bumrah not getting rest, Mohammed Siraj is slated to make a comeback into the squad and pair with the speedster in the attack. A spin-friendly track at the Wankhede will greatly assist the spinners. Young Harshit Rana has to wait for his chance as Abhishek Nayar confirms no new addition to the team.

India Predicted Playing XI for 3rd Test

Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah

Shaky Top order for India

India’s top order has been extremely shaky over the Bengaluru and Pune Tests. And in the upcoming game in Mumbai, Team India would dearly want their top order to fire on all cylinders. Save Yashasvi Jaiswal, the rest including the likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill have faltered time and again.

The failure of the top order to start strongly has resulted in increased dependency on the middle and lower order. This means top knocks are now needed from the Indian veterans. And most importantly, this match would be the last international Test match for India before they travel to Down Under for the coveted Border Gavaskar Trophy.

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Volatile Middle Order

India’s middle order has performed in bits and patches. Rishabh Pant, Sarfaraz Khan, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja have performed well but have been inconsistent. A duck followed by a century where the team loses the Test match doesn’t qualify for a great knock. It might be a good innings, but in no way is it a consistent performance.

And that has been the case for the Indian Cricket Team. While the top order has struggled, the middle order has been a tad better. With the WTC top spot on the line, it is imperative the onus remains on the batting unit to perform well.

Triple Spin attack at Wankhede

While India does want a rank-turner, it can also pose a great danger to the hosts as well. And this has been the case where India has struggled against spin from the Black Caps. For the Mumbai Test, India will be banking on their spin trio to weave their magic.

Washington Sundar is expected to partner Ravi Ashwin and Jadeja. The pitch will be bouncy on Day 1 and will start to assist the spinners from Day 2. This means India’s spinners can weave their magic and create havoc on the opposition.

Jasprit Bumrah to continue

Reports had emerged Jasprit Bumrah is likely to be rested for the game, owing to workload management. But those have been put to rest.

The dynamics are quite simple, As Bumrah plays, India will go for a much more aggressive approach with Siraj as well. Harshit Rana hasn’t been added to the squad and thus will have to wait for his debut.