IND vs NZ LIVE: 3 pacers, 1 SLOT, Harshal, Siraj & Umran FIGHT for third pacer's spot in Bay Oval

IND vs NZ LIVE: India vs NewZealand LIVE: With Umran Malik rejoining the T20 squad, captain Hardik Pandya and coach VVS Laxman have a tough call to make. As Arshdeep Singh and Bhuvneshwar Kumar are guaranteed starters, three pacers are fighting for one remaining slot. Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj and Umran will contest for the one remaining pacer’s spot at least for the 2nd T20. Follow IND vs NZ 2nd T20 LIVE Updates on InsideSport.IN.

If the selectors had announced the squad for NZ tour after T20 WC, Bhuvneshwar Kumar would not be in the side. But as he is there, he is a sure-shot starter. But with T20 WC 2024 in the mind, India need to give young pacers like Umran the maximum chance. Mohammed Siraj and Harshal Patel warmed the bench in Australia and are in fray to start as well. With the 1st t20I washed out, chances are already limited for experimentation.

Also Read: India Playing XI vs NZ: Opening CONUNDRUM for Laxman & Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar likely to reclaim opening slot, Follow IND vs NZ LIVE Updates

IND vs NZ LIVE: Three pacers, ONE SLOT, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj & Umran Malik fight for third pacer’s position in 2nd T20, Check OUT

IND vs NZ LIVE: Umran Malik to get a go in the second T20I?

Umran Malik shot to fame after his excellent outing in the IPL 2022 with Sunrisers Hyderabad. With express pace, clocking over 150KPH, he gave selectors a new option. The 22-year-old was included in the Indian squad which faced Ireland in a T20I series. The right-arm pacer made his debut in that series, and he was also included in a T20I game against England.

However, the high economy rate and not managing to cross the 150KPH barrier meant, he was a flop show. Speaking about his numbers in the 20-over format, the right-arm pacer has represented India in only three matches and has taken two wickets. He bowls at an economy of 12.44 with his average being 56.0.

Umran Malik in T20Is:

Matches: 3
Overs: 9
Wickets: 2
Economy: 12.44

Despite having poor numbers in his short T20I career, Umran’s pace can be quite helpful for the Indian team going to take on New Zealand on their home soil. The wickets in New Zealand generally assist the pacers with the new ball bowlers getting some swing and bounce from the pitches.

How’s that for a Trophy unveil! 🤩 🏆#TeamIndia | #NZvIND

📸 Courtesy: @PhotosportNZ pic.twitter.com/qTazPXpr3R

— BCCI (@BCCI) November 16, 2022

IND vs NZ LIVE: Harshal Patel and Mohammed Siraj also in the line for the third pacer

The RCB pace duo of Harshal Patel and Mohammed Siraj are also the possible contenders for the third pacer in India’s playing XI.
Both Harshal and Siraj were part of India’s T20 World Cup squad but did not get a game.
Speaking about Siraj first, his ability to nip the new ball can be an advantage for the Indian side.
Not only with the new ball, but Siraj can also nail the yorkers toward the back end of an innings.
Siraj has played six T20I games for India and has scalped five wickets.
Things turned quite dramatically for Harshal Patel.
From being a regular member of India’s playing XI, Harshal was not given a single game in the marquee tournament.
He has scalped 26 wickets in 23 T20I games, but his economy is very costly at 9.2.
The right-arm pacer will be hoping to get some chances in the upcoming series.

India Squad for NZ T20Is:

Hardik Pandya (C), Rishabh Pant (vc & wk), Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, Deepak Hooda, Surya Kumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Sanju Samson (wk), W Sundar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Harshal Patel, Mohd. Siraj, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umran Malik.