The India–New Zealand final ODI match in Indore

The Indian cricket team continues to dominate New Zealand at home. Despite the Kiwis touring India seven times in the past, they have never won a bilateral ODI series on Indian soil. Currently, the three-match series stands 1-1, setting the stage for a thrilling decider on Sunday in Indore. The spotlight will be on whether Team India can maintain its unbeaten streak or if New Zealand will finally break the jinx. Since 2019, India has not lost a single ODI series at home, making the stakes even higher for both sides.

All eyes are on Arshdeep Singh, who may get a chance to play with the new ball. His left-arm pace can put pressure on New Zealand’s predominantly right-handed top and middle-order batsmen, reducing the burden on India’s spinners in the middle overs. Meanwhile, coach Gautam Gambhir is also considering playing all-rounder Ayush Badoni in place of Nitesh, who saw limited bowling in the second ODI. On the batting front, skipper Shubman Gill’s form will be crucial, and Rohit Sharma is expected to deliver a big score. Additionally, following incidents of contaminated water in Indore, the team has ensured safe drinking water at both their hotel and the stadium. Gill himself reportedly brought a Rs. 3 lakh water purifier to his hotel room, capable of further purifying packaged water.