Jasprit Bumrah Returns as India Bowl First in Third T20I Against New Zealand in Guwahati

India captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss in the third T20I against New Zealand at Guwahati and elected to bowl first, with dew expected to play a significant role as the match progresses. With a 2-0 lead in the five-match series, India are on the cusp of yet another series victory.

The Stakes: Historic 11th Consecutive Title on the Line

A victory in Guwahati would give India their 11th consecutive series or tournament triumph, a remarkable streak that includes the T20 World Cup 2024 and the Asia Cup 2025. This unprecedented run of success underscores India's dominance in white-ball cricket under Suryakumar Yadav's captaincy.

Team Changes: India Rotate Squad

Bumrah and Bishnoi Return to the XI

India made two strategic changes to their winning combination. The headline move saw pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah return to the playing XI, replacing Arshdeep Singh who was rested. Bumrah's return adds significant firepower to India's bowling attack, particularly with the new ball and at the death.

Leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi also made his comeback, replacing the in-form Varun Chakravarthy. Bishnoi last featured for India in February 2025, and his return provides another quality spin option on a Guwahati surface that has historically favored batters.

Axar Patel Continues Recovery

Notably, all-rounder Axar Patel remained on the sidelines after cutting his index finger during the first T20I. In the absence of official communication from the BCCI, his exclusion appears to be a precautionary measure rather than a forced absence, suggesting he could return for the remaining matches.

New Zealand's Changes: Jamieson Replaces Foulkes

Bowling Reshuffle After Expensive Outing

New Zealand made a single change to their lineup, bringing in tall seamer Kyle Jamieson for Zak Foulkes. The change came after Foulkes endured a difficult outing in the second T20I, conceding 67 runs in just three overs. Jamieson's height and ability to extract bounce could prove valuable on the Guwahati surface.

Neesham Misses Out Due to Illness

The visitors had hoped to include experienced all-rounder James Neesham in the playing XI, but he was ruled out after being struck down by a bug. Neesham is expected to recover in time for the fourth match, providing New Zealand with additional depth in the remaining games.

Venue Analysis: Guwahati's High-Scoring History

The Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati has established itself as a run-fest venue. The last two T20I matches at this ground produced remarkable totals:

• Four years ago: 237 vs 221
• 2023: 222 vs 225

These scores indicate that batters have historically thrived here, making India's decision to bowl first and chase under lights a calculated gamble based on expected dew conditions.

Playing XI Breakdown

India's Lineup

India's batting order features explosive openers Abhishek Sharma and wicketkeeper Sanju Samson, followed by Ishan Kishan at three. Captain Suryakumar Yadav anchors the middle order at four, with Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, and Shivam Dube providing power-hitting depth. The bowling attack comprises Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravi Bishnoi.

New Zealand's Lineup

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner leads a side featuring Tim Seifert behind the stumps and the dangerous Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra at the top. Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, and Mark Chapman form a formidable middle order, while Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, and Ish Sodhi handle bowling duties.

Looking Ahead: Series Implications

With two matches still remaining after this encounter, India have the opportunity to not only clinch the series but potentially complete a clean sweep against New Zealand. For the visitors, avoiding a series defeat and salvaging pride in the remaining matches will be the primary objective.

The return of Bumrah adds an element of unpredictability to India's attack, and his battle against New Zealand's top order could prove decisive in determining the outcome of this crucial third T20I.