India vs New Zealand 2017-18, 3rd ODI at Kanpur: MS Dhoni vs Mitchell Santner and other key battles

The Indian home season could not have gotten a better start, with the New Zealand series going to a decider. The teams play in the third and final ODI at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur on Sunday. With the series locked at 1-1, both teams will look to put their best foot forward. Moreover, with this game could possibly be the last ODI at Kanpur. Nevertheless, let us have a look at the key battles we could possibly see in this tie.

Rohit Sharma vs shot selections: Known as ‘Hitman’ of the team, Rohit has been struggling of late, especially with his shot selections. In the two matches against the Kiwis, he scores have read 20 and seven. He has been guilty of playing one shot too many. The opening ODI saw him getting bowled off Trent Boult trying a big heave. The second ODI saw him playing another ill-timed flick shot off Tim Southee. He was misbalanced that led to improper elevation of the shot.

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Therefore, the third ODI could be his litmus test.

Virat Kohli vs pressure: Everyone Indian loves to see Kohli play, not just because he is a good player, but is the side’s Mr. Dependable. However, in the second ODI, with regular fall of wickets, Kohli was seen getting desperate. As a result, in an attempt to push the run rate, he fell for 29. Maybe, he is not as clam as MS Dhoni, but he definitely needs to work on his patience even more.

MS Dhoni vs Mitchell Santner: Dhoni has time and again struggled against spinners lately. Although he has not been dismissed in this series by a spinner his record against spinners was poor in the Australia series. He will face stiff competition from Mitchell Santner and would be interesting to see how he tackles him.

Indian spinners vs New Zealand middle-order: The Indian spinners have been in tremendous form this season. Both Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal, have made momentous impact across series. They will want to continue their dream run against New Zealand, who have so far lacked appliance against them.

New Zealand’s middle-order has especially been at the receiving end of the Indian spinners in the two ODIs thus far.