India maintained their 2-0 lead in the ODI series against New Zealand after the third match was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to persistent rain in Hamilton on Tuesday. The washout also brought an end to New Zealand's remarkable 11 consecutive home bilateral ODI series victories. New Zealand, who entered the third ODI trailing 2-0, can now only aim to level the series by winning the remaining two matches scheduled for Friday and Sunday at Mount Maunganui. Rain began falling in Hamilton on Monday afternoon and continued throughout the match day, allowing only a brief window for the ground staff to prepare the pitch. During that short break, India won the toss for the seventh time in eight attempts on the tour and elected to bowl first in what was initially expected to be a 40-over contest. However, the rain returned before the toss interviews could even be completed and continued to disrupt proceedings. Despite the ground staff's efforts, conditions never improved enough to allow the match to begin. New Zealand have experienced an unusually wet spring, with their home summer schedule compressed to accommodate India's full tour before their upcoming trip to Australia. Although rain has affected the series, the teams managed to complete the first two matches, albeit in shortened formats. The weather forecast for Mount Maunganui, which will host the final two ODIs on Friday and Sunday, is considerably more promising, raising hopes of uninterrupted cricket. The third ODI also marked the final appearance in the series for India's Test captain Shubman Gill, who will now shift his focus to preparations for the upcoming two-Test series against New Zealand. Shreyas Iyer is set to take over the captaincy for the remaining ODI matches in Gill's absence. Meanwhile, New Zealand have decided to give fast bowler Matt Henry additional time with the national team's medical staff. Henry sustained an injury in a collision with Devon Conway on the eve of the series and will continue his recovery. With India firmly in control of the series, New Zealand face a challenging task in the final two matches as they look to avoid a series defeat on home soil.

The ongoing ODI series between India and New Zealand has offered a rare challenge for batters, with seam-friendly conditions and inconsistent bounce making run-scoring extremely difficult. However, what initially appeared to be an obstacle could prove beneficial for both teams ahead of their upcoming Test series. The first two ODIs witnessed considerable assistance for fast bowlers, with the ball continuing to seam even after the initial overs. Unseasonal rain in New Zealand has also affected pitch preparations, resulting in surfaces with thick grass and unpredictable bounce. The batting statistics underline the difficulty of the conditions. The series has recorded an average of just 16.75 runs per wicket, the lowest for any ODI series involving two Full Member nations during the current World Cup cycle. The collective strike rate of 68.45 is also the second-lowest in the same period. With persistent rain in Hamilton ahead of the third ODI at Seddon Park, similar conditions could be expected in the final match. India See ODI Conditions as Valuable Test Preparation India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak believes the challenging conditions have provided an excellent opportunity for the players to prepare for the upcoming two-match Test series. According to Kotak, the movement on offer in the first two ODIs has given India's batters and bowlers an idea of what they could encounter during the Tests at the Basin Reserve and Hagley Oval. "In hindsight, it's a good thing, because we might get the same things in the Test matches, only the ball will be red," Kotak said ahead of the third ODI. He highlighted that the pitches, which featured approximately 12-14mm of grass, offered both swing and seam movement, along with occasional awkward bounce. Kotak also pointed out that several Indian Test players have already gained valuable red-ball experience through India A's ongoing tour of New Zealand. He believes the combination of challenging ODI conditions, India A matches and an upcoming preparation camp in Mount Maunganui will help the team get ready for the Test assignment. Luke Ronchi Welcomes Bowlers Having the Upper Hand New Zealand batting coach Luke Ronchi also shared a positive assessment of the conditions, describing them as a refreshing change from the high-scoring ODI pitches commonly seen around the world. Ronchi believes the Wellington surface, in particular, offered conditions traditionally associated with Test cricket in New Zealand. He argued that bowlers deserve opportunities to dominate, especially in a format where batting-friendly pitches have increasingly become the norm. "There's nothing wrong with that. Like traditionally, you go around the world, especially in India, if teams don't make 400 in an ODI, you're in trouble, so it's just ridiculous," Ronchi said. He also praised both teams for adapting to the conditions and making the most of the assistance available to the fast bowlers. Batters Face the Challenge of Adjusting Their Approach One of the biggest challenges for batters has been adjusting their mindset to conditions where even a total of 200 runs can prove competitive. Ronchi explained that modern-day batters are accustomed to scoring at high rates, making it difficult to lower their expectations when pitches offer significant assistance to bowlers. He emphasised the importance of communication between batters in the middle, particularly when the team needs to reassess its approach after losing early wickets. Ronchi suggested that instead of targeting eight runs per over from the beginning, batters should be willing to score at three runs per over initially and accelerate later in the innings. He also highlighted Daryl Mitchell's innings of 55 off 104 balls in the second ODI as an example of the importance of patience and application. According to Ronchi, Mitchell's knock demonstrated how a batter can make a significant contribution without scoring at an aggressive rate. India Focus on Better Decision-Making in Difficult Conditions India's Kotak believes the series has also provided valuable lessons for young batters, particularly regarding shot selection and understanding match situations. He referred to the second ODI in Wellington, where India secured a narrow four-run victory through the DLS method after rain interrupted the match. Kotak felt that Naman Dhir and Anshul Kamboj could have approached the closing stages differently, especially with rain threatening to end the game. However, he was careful not to criticise their natural attacking style, emphasising that the challenge is to help players adapt without taking away their strengths. "The challenge is, without touching their way of playing, without building pressure on them, how they can control their mind, what shot can I play at this time, and what should I not," Kotak explained. He added that players must learn to recognise situations when the team needs them to spend time at the crease rather than chase quick runs. Kotak also stressed that these experiences are particularly important for younger players, who are still developing their understanding of international cricket. Challenging Conditions Could Benefit Both Teams in Tests With the ODI series nearing its conclusion, both India and New Zealand will turn their attention towards the upcoming two-match Test series. Although the white-ball format demands a different mindset, the challenging pitches have already exposed players to conditions they could encounter in the longer format. The experience of dealing with swing, seam movement, grass-covered surfaces and unpredictable bounce could prove valuable when the teams take the field with the red ball. For both sides, the difficult ODI conditions may therefore turn out to be an unexpected advantage, providing an opportunity to sharpen their skills before the Test series begins.

New Zealand fast bowler Kyle Jamieson has welcomed the bowler-friendly conditions in the ongoing ODI series against India, describing the low-scoring contests as a refreshing change for bowlers after a high-scoring T20I series between the two sides. The T20I series witnessed New Zealand register their highest-ever total at home, while India produced a remarkable chase of 198 runs in just 13.2 overs. However, the ODI series has presented a completely different challenge, with bowlers dominating proceedings in the opening matches. In the second ODI in Wellington on Saturday, New Zealand were bowled out for just 134 runs, but the modest target still produced a thrilling contest. India eventually secured a narrow four-run victory to take control of the match. Reacting to the challenging batting conditions, Jamieson expressed his satisfaction with pitches offering greater assistance to bowlers. "What do you think? You like it? You guys like it? I mean, I'm biased, so I'm always going to say it's nice to have them back," Jamieson said when asked about the low-scoring matches. The New Zealand pacer, who bowled 10 overs and claimed three wickets for 35 runs, believes such conditions provide an opportunity to showcase the skills of fast bowlers. "I feel like I've played on a fair few pitches and a fair few wickets where going at tens is probably a good day. So it's nice to have a little bit of favour now again. I hope the viewer can appreciate some of the skill that was on show from both bowling line-ups and some of the batters as well," he added. Jamieson Praises Bowlers' Performance India's Gurnoor Brar delivered a standout performance in the second ODI, picking up four wickets for 35 runs to play a crucial role in restricting New Zealand to a modest total. The pitch offered significant and uneven bounce, with rain-affected conditions making batting particularly difficult. Fast bowlers from both teams enjoyed considerable success, averaging fewer than 15 runs per wicket. Jamieson described the conditions as a welcome change for the bowling unit and pointed towards the fresh drop-in pitch as one of the reasons behind the difference in playing conditions. "It was nice, wasn't it? Nice change for us bowlers. I think it was a fresh drop-in pitch, from my understanding, and it can just change," he said. He also praised New Zealand's fighting spirit, explaining that the team remained committed to making an impact with the ball despite having a below-par total to defend. New Zealand Not Frustrated Despite Low Totals New Zealand have struggled to put up substantial scores in the ODI series, managing 185 runs in the first match before being dismissed for just 134 in Wellington. However, Jamieson insisted that the team was not frustrated by its batting performances, pointing out that conditions have played an important role in determining the difficulty of batting first. According to the fast bowler, teams batting second have enjoyed slightly better conditions under lights, when moisture in the pitch makes batting easier. "There are days when we'd like more runs, and there are days when I'm sure the batters would like us to take a few more wickets too. So, just part and parcel," Jamieson said. He added that the team would review its performance, learn from the experience and look to produce a stronger effort in the third ODI in Hamilton on Tuesday. Jamieson Feeling Comfortable After Injury Concerns Jamieson also spoke about his return to form following the winter break, admitting that regaining match rhythm and mental freedom took some time. The New Zealand pacer revealed that he had initially been cautious about his bowling because of concerns surrounding his lower back, particularly the L4 and L5 areas of his spine. "It sort of felt like a little bit of a slow burn, trying to just get the game rhythm back under my belt. Mentally, just trying to get over the hurdle of allowing myself to let go and play with that freedom," he explained. However, Jamieson believes his recovery is progressing well and is pleased with the way things have developed since the UK Test series. He said he enjoyed a good winter break and currently feels that his game and fitness are in a positive place. With the third ODI approaching, New Zealand will hope to bounce back in Hamilton, while Jamieson will look to continue making an impact with the ball on conditions that are finally offering fast bowlers a greater share of the contest.

Virat Kohli's explosive 74 and a disciplined bowling performance powered India to a five-wicket victory over New Zealand via the DLS method. India registered a convincing five-wicket victory over New Zealand in a rain-affected ODI, thanks to an outstanding performance from their pace attack and a match-winning innings from Virat Kohli. India's bowlers bundled out New Zealand for 185 before Kohli and Shubman Gill guided the hosts to 143/5 in a revised 32-over chase. New Zealand, who had scored 259 in a T20I at Eden Park just four days earlier, struggled against India's relentless seam bowling. The Indian pacers combined accuracy, movement and aggressive short-ball tactics to keep the visitors under constant pressure. Anshul Kamboj, who was selected ahead of Mohammed Siraj, emerged as one of India's standout performers. Although he picked up two wickets, Kamboj impressed with his consistent line and length, extracting movement throughout his spell. He conceded just 22 runs in his 10 overs, delivering an important contribution to India's bowling effort. Arshdeep Singh and Gurnoor Brar also played crucial roles, particularly with their short-ball strategy. Arshdeep claimed four wickets for 70 runs, while Gurnoor picked up three wickets for 44 runs, putting New Zealand's batting order under significant pressure. Arshdeep narrowly missed out on a five-wicket haul after New Zealand's No. 11 Blair Tickner attacked him in the closing stages, hitting three sixes. However, Gurnoor ended the visitors' resistance by dismissing the final batter, bringing an end to a frustrating 39-run last-wicket partnership between Tickner and Jacob Duffy. India's impressive fielding and proactive captaincy further strengthened their dominance. A brilliant one-handed catch by Kohli at second slip to dismiss a New Zealand batter highlighted India's sharpness in the field. Earlier, Rohit Sharma produced an excellent diving run-out to send Daryl Mitchell back to the pavilion. Captain Shubman Gill also deserves credit for his tactical decisions, consistently relying on his strike bowlers and maintaining attacking field placements. India had used their three main strike bowlers by the 41st over, demonstrating their determination to finish the New Zealand innings quickly. Chasing a revised target in a match interrupted by frequent rain breaks, India relied heavily on Kohli's brilliance. The senior batter smashed a sensational 74 off just 51 deliveries, combining powerful pulls with elegant drives on the up. Gill provided valuable support with a composed 37. India eventually reached 143/5 in 32 overs, securing a five-wicket victory under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method. The early dismissal of New Zealand's batting order proved particularly important as unpredictable weather disrupted India's chase twice. Had the visitors managed to bat out their full 50 overs, they might have had a better opportunity to force a no-result. Ultimately, India's disciplined bowling, exceptional fielding and Kohli's attacking batting ensured a memorable victory. The performance highlighted the team's ability to adapt to challenging conditions and deliver under pressure.

India arrived in New Zealand with just 24 hours to prepare for the opening T20I in Christchurch. Despite the lack of preparation and several players experiencing New Zealand conditions for the first time, the visitors made an impressive start by winning the first three matches in succession. Speaking at the post-match press conference in Hamilton after New Zealand won the fifth T20I, Gambhir highlighted the team's fearless approach and ability to perform under pressure. He particularly praised India's successful chase of 226 in the opening match and their ability to chase down 199 in less than 14 overs in the second T20I, despite having completed just one practice session before the series. Gambhir described the team's approach as ruthless and said handling unfamiliar conditions was one of the biggest achievements of the tour. The head coach also acknowledged that India could not maintain their winning momentum in the final two matches but insisted that the team's aggressive philosophy would remain unchanged. He explained that India's playing style over the last two to two-and-a-half years has been based on a high-risk, high-reward approach, adding that occasional defeats, including one-sided losses, would not force the team to change its ideology. Gambhir also pointed out that results often dominate discussions surrounding Indian cricket, with little attention given to preparation challenges. He said his responsibility was to prepare players, share his experience of playing in New Zealand and ensure they remained confident and aggressive. Gambhir backs Shreyas Iyer's captaincy Gambhir also praised Shreyas Iyer's leadership, highlighting the challenges he faced after taking charge of a highly successful Indian T20I side. Under Iyer, India have now registered three bilateral T20I series victories after beginning his captaincy tenure with two series defeats. The team has also beaten Japan in a one-off T20I and secured gold at the Asian Games. According to Gambhir, Iyer inherited a team that had won the T20 World Cup and remained unbeaten in bilateral series for nearly two years, making the transition particularly challenging. He explained that India had provided opportunities to several young players after the World Cup, resulting in a relatively inexperienced squad, particularly in overseas conditions such as England and New Zealand. Gambhir described this phase as an important part of India's preparation for the next T20 World Cup, stressing the need to develop young players by giving them opportunities on overseas tours. He also praised Iyer for managing an inexperienced bowling attack, saying the captain had done an outstanding job despite having limited experience available in the squad. Gambhir highlights Abhishek Sharma's weakness against off-spin Meanwhile, Gambhir also discussed Abhishek Sharma's struggles against off-spin bowling, admitting that the left-handed opener needs to improve this aspect of his game. The Indian head coach explained that opposition teams are increasingly studying Abhishek's batting patterns, scoring methods and attacking approach, making it important for him to develop solutions against different types of bowling. Gambhir revealed that he had discussed the issue with Abhishek, particularly his difficulties against off-spinners and left-arm spinners who attempt to restrict his scoring options. He believes improving against these bowling variations will make Abhishek a more complete batter and help him stay ahead of opposition strategies. India's 3-2 series victory has provided another positive result for the team under Iyer's leadership. With the next T20 World Cup in focus, Gambhir's emphasis remains on developing young players, maintaining an aggressive approach and building a squad capable of performing in challenging conditions.

New Zealand fast bowler Jacob Duffy has praised Virat Kohli for his down-to-earth personality, revealing that the Indian batting superstar made a lasting impression on him during their time together at Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2026. Duffy, who shared the RCB dressing room with Kohli, said he was impressed by the way the former India captain welcomed overseas players despite being regarded as one of the biggest sporting icons in India. Speaking to the media in Auckland on Sunday, Duffy recalled his interactions with Kohli and described the experience of sharing a dressing room with him as special. "Obviously, for such a religious figure, I guess you almost say, in India – he's obviously a megastar over there – for him to be so down-to-earth and sort of welcome all us overseas guys in RCB was pretty cool," Duffy said. The New Zealand pacer also revealed that he regularly bowled to Kohli during RCB's net sessions, giving both players an opportunity to understand each other's game ahead of their international contest. "I bowled a lot to him in the nets because he was always the first batter and I was always the first bowler. We actually spent a lot of time facing each other in the nets, so that's quite cool," he added. Duffy further explained that Kohli shared valuable insights about bowling strategies and the different playing conditions in India. Their conversations often revolved around the finer details of bowling, particularly the lines and lengths required on different Indian pitches. "He's got a great work ethic. I guess we talk a lot about fine details. We talk about certain wickets back in India. Certain wickets are quite different, so he talked a lot about the different lines and lengths on those kind of wickets and how he adjusts and how he thinks I could be adjusting on those ones too," Duffy said. The New Zealand fast bowler is now looking forward to testing himself against Kohli on the international stage as India and New Zealand prepare to begin their ODI series in Auckland on Wednesday. Duffy Focused on ODI World Cup Preparations Meanwhile, Duffy also highlighted the importance of the upcoming ODI series as New Zealand begin building towards the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa. The right-arm pacer expressed his fondness for the 50-over format, explaining that it offers a different challenge for fast bowlers, particularly during the opening and closing stages of an innings. "Personally, I quite like ODI cricket. What I like about it is that up top, you get a little bit of the hard lengths with the swinging ball and stuff like that. Then you get a little bit of the hit and giggle near the end," he said. Duffy also revealed that playing in an ODI World Cup has been a long-standing ambition, having grown up watching the 2015 and 2019 editions of the tournament. "Growing up watching the 2015 World Cup, 2019 World Cup, those, to me, are the pinnacles of our game. Those are the major events that I grew up watching and strived for and wanted to be there for those," he added. With the 2027 World Cup approaching, Duffy believes the upcoming matches against India will be crucial in strengthening his case for a place in New Zealand's squad. "Obviously, a year out from that, I think these games play a pretty important role. I guess we're trying to build and push for a case to make that squad," he concluded.

India have added right-arm fast bowler Auqib Nabi to their squad for the first three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) against New Zealand. The decision comes a day after pacer Prasidh Krishna was ruled out of the ODI series to focus on his recovery from a left hamstring injury. Nabi was initially named in India's squad for the fourth and fifth ODIs but has now been included for the entire five-match series. The fast bowler has represented India in one international match so far, making his ODI debut in the second match against the West Indies in September. However, he had an expensive outing, conceding 84 runs without taking a wicket in his 10-over spell. The fast bowler is currently in New Zealand with India's A red-ball squad. He recently featured in the first unofficial Test against New Zealand A, where he impressed with six wickets. Meanwhile, Prasidh Krishna is expected to join the India A squad for the third unofficial Test, which will take place alongside the ODI series. Krishna sustained his hamstring injury during the same ODI in which Nabi made his international debut. According to an earlier statement from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Krishna requires additional time to build the workload needed to return to competitive cricket. Missing the ODI series will allow him to gain match practice and prepare for the upcoming Test series. The five-match ODI series between India and New Zealand will begin on November 4 and conclude on November 15. The two-match Test series will follow, starting November 19. India's Updated Squad for First Three ODIs Against New Zealand Shubman Gill (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (Vice-Captain), KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper), Axar Patel, Naman Dhir, Anshul Kamboj, Gurnoor Brar, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Arshdeep Singh, Ishan Kishan (Wicketkeeper), Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy (First ODI only) and Auqib Nabi. India's Squad for Fourth and Fifth ODIs Against New Zealand Shreyas Iyer (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan (Wicketkeeper and Vice-Captain), Axar Patel, Naman Dhir, Auqib Nabi, Gurnoor Brar, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Arshdeep Singh, Kumar Kushagra (Wicketkeeper), Mohammed Siraj, Yash Thakur and Kuldeep Yadav.

Glenn Phillips' explosive century and Michael Bracewell's blistering knock powered New Zealand to a record-breaking 259/7 before Jacob Duffy's four-wicket haul restricted India to 172/9 in the chase of 260. New Zealand registered a commanding 87-run victory over India after producing a sensational batting performance to post 259/7, the highest T20 total recorded at the venue, including domestic matches. Glenn Phillips led the charge with a magnificent century, while Michael Bracewell delivered a breathtaking cameo to put India under immense scoreboard pressure. Chasing a daunting target of 260, India managed only 172/9 despite a fighting contribution from Tilak Varma, who scored 35. Jacob Duffy starred with the ball, claiming four wickets for 23 runs, while Mitchell Santner and Matt Fisher picked up two wickets each. Glenn Phillips Leads New Zealand's Record-Breaking Batting Show Glenn Phillips produced a remarkable innings, changing his usual approach to take advantage of the batting-friendly conditions at Eden Park. Rather than settling in before accelerating, Phillips attacked from the outset and put the Indian bowlers under pressure during the powerplay. He reached 26 off just 14 deliveries before taking 31 balls to complete his half-century. However, once settled, the right-hander shifted gears dramatically, smashing 40 runs off his next 10 deliveries. Nitish Kumar Reddy struggled to execute his yorkers, allowing Phillips to take complete control. The New Zealand batter smashed four consecutive sixes in a 32-run over before bringing up his century with another maximum. His aggressive approach proved decisive as New Zealand finished with an imposing total of 259/7. Bracewell's Explosive Knock Changes the Game Michael Bracewell provided the perfect support to Phillips, producing an extraordinary display of power-hitting after arriving at the crease in the 11th over with New Zealand at 112/4. India attempted to exploit favourable bowling match-ups, but Bracewell turned the situation around with fearless batting. He attacked Naman Dhir's off-spin before launching a devastating assault against Axar Patel, hitting four boundaries in the 14th over. New Zealand suddenly accelerated, collecting 54 runs in just three overs. Bracewell continued his assault against Mayank Yadav, repeatedly finding unconventional scoring areas and punishing India's pace spearhead. His ability to score behind the wicket made him particularly difficult to contain. He smashed 65 runs off just 25 deliveries, striking at an incredible rate of 260, with 10 boundaries. His partnership with Phillips produced 115 runs from only 41 balls, transforming New Zealand's innings into a record-breaking performance. Jacob Duffy Leads New Zealand's Bowling Attack India's chase began with Sanju Samson striking a boundary off the first delivery. However, Jacob Duffy quickly changed his approach, using the short ball to dismiss the Indian opener. Duffy finished with impressive figures of 4/23, exploiting variations in bounce and length to trouble India's batters. Matt Fisher also played an important role, using cross-seam deliveries and extra bounce to dismiss Abhishek Sharma. The Indian opener, who had been struggling to find his rhythm, failed to generate the power needed to clear the field. Shreyas Iyer also fell under pressure, losing his stumps while attempting to accelerate during the final over of the powerplay. With a massive target on the board, New Zealand's bowlers had the freedom to attack and force India into risky shots. Scoreboard Pressure Proves Too Much for India India have often been successful chasing big totals, but this time the enormous target proved difficult to handle. The batters struggled to find their rhythm as New Zealand consistently varied their pace, bowled hard lengths and made boundary-hitting increasingly challenging. Tilak Varma top-scored for India with 35, but the rest of the batting order failed to produce the partnerships required to keep the chase alive. New Zealand's bowlers capitalised on India's desperation to score quickly, picking up wickets at regular intervals and preventing any meaningful recovery. The scale of New Zealand's first-innings total was reflected in the match forecast, which gave the visitors nearly a 96 per cent chance of victory at the end of their innings. Match Result New Zealand's exceptional batting performance, led by Glenn Phillips' century and Bracewell's explosive 65, proved too much for India. New Zealand: 259/7 India: 172/9 Result: New Zealand won by 87 runs. Best Performers: Glenn Phillips – 107 runs Michael Bracewell – 65 runs Jacob Duffy – 4/23 Mitchell Santner – 2/24 Matt Fisher – 2/40 Mayank Yadav – 3/48 New Zealand's record-breaking total and disciplined bowling performance handed India a heavy defeat, demonstrating how even a powerful batting line-up can struggle when confronted with an extraordinary target and sustained scoreboard pressure.

India have made two changes to their playing XI for the fifth T20I against New Zealand in Auckland, with Ishan Kishan and Mayank Yadav returning to the side as the visitors look to complete a dominant 5-0 series whitewash. India captain Shreyas Iyer won his fourth toss of the tour and elected to bowl first. The team made two changes to the side that secured a 3-0 lead earlier in the series. Kishan replaced Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, while Mayank came in for Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The changes also bring an end to the opening combination that created history in the previous match by recording the highest-ever powerplay score in T20I cricket, scoring 118 runs. Despite having already sealed the series, Iyer made it clear that India are determined to maintain their winning momentum and finish the tour on a high. "We have decided we are not going to leave no stone unturned. We have won the series but I still feel the job is half done. It's important to be ruthless," Iyer said at the toss. New Zealand, meanwhile, made one change to their playing XI, bringing in seam-bowling all-rounder Nathan Smith in place of Kyle Jamieson. The hosts will once again be under pressure to deliver a strong batting performance, particularly at a venue like Auckland, where chasing has traditionally been favourable. New Zealand previously posted their highest-ever T20I total of 243 at the ground but still ended up on the losing side. New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner is hopeful that a fresh venue and pitch will help his team turn things around. "Fresh day, new ground, new pitch," Santner said. He praised the team's batting unit but acknowledged that the bowling department needs to find ways to take wickets or restrict the opposition's scoring. Santner also admitted that New Zealand's fielding has not been up to the mark in the series. With India aiming for a clean sweep and New Zealand desperate to finish the series with a victory, the fifth T20I promises an exciting contest. Playing XIs India: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan (wk), Shreyas Iyer (capt), Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Naman Dhir, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Mayank Yadav, Prince Yadav. New Zealand: Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (wk), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Bevon Jacobs, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (capt), Nathan Smith, Adam Milne, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher.

New Zealand have suffered another setback to their pace attack, with Lockie Ferguson ruled out of the remainder of the T20I series against India due to a right-calf injury. Matthew Fisher has been named as his replacement for the remaining matches. Ferguson featured in the first two T20Is before experiencing pain in his right calf during the second match in Christchurch. Subsequent scans confirmed a low-grade tear, and the fast bowler is expected to need around another week to recover before returning to action. Fisher, who joined the squad in Wellington as bowling cover, was initially named only for the third T20I but will now remain with the New Zealand team for the rest of the series. He was originally scheduled to feature in the India A series, with Brett Randell called up to replace him in the New Zealand A squad for the second match. Henry and Jamieson Hopeful of ODI Return New Zealand have also been without Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson for the remainder of the T20I series, with both fast bowlers managing fitness concerns. However, the team remains hopeful that the pair will be available for the three-match ODI series, which begins in Auckland on November 4. Henry experienced pain in his right quadriceps during the second T20I, and scans revealed a low-grade tear that is expected to require one to two weeks of recovery. His absence from the remaining T20Is had already been planned as part of New Zealand's workload management strategy ahead of a busy summer schedule. Jamieson will remain in Wellington and is expected to feature for Canterbury in their second-round Ford Trophy match on Saturday before rejoining the national squad on Monday to prepare for the ODIs. New Zealand head coach Rob Walter expressed disappointment over the injuries to Ferguson and Henry but remained optimistic about their recovery. "We're gutted for Lockie and Matt," Walter said. "Injuries are part and parcel of international cricket, but it doesn't make it any easier when you have to miss games." He added that Henry had already been scheduled to sit out the remaining T20Is to manage his workload, expressing hope that the fast bowler would still play an important role in the upcoming ODI series. Walter also revealed that Ferguson had been eager to play in front of a sell-out crowd at Eden Park but was determined to return in time for the ODIs. India Seal T20I Series New Zealand have already conceded the five-match T20I series, trailing India 3-0. The fourth match will be played in Auckland on October 30, followed by the final T20I in Hamilton on November 1. The teams will then turn their attention to the ODI series, with New Zealand hoping to have Henry and Jamieson available as they look to strengthen their pace attack after a series of injury setbacks.

The 36-year-old pacer has taken one wicket in three T20Is against New Zealand since returning to the Indian team for the first time since November 2022. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has revealed that he never actively pursued a return to the Indian team, crediting his performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) over the past two seasons for earning him another opportunity to represent the country. The 36-year-old fast bowler made his India comeback after nearly four years on the sidelines, having last played for the national team in November 2022. Speaking after India's victory over New Zealand in the third T20I in Wellington, Bhuvneshwar said his focus had remained on performing well and meeting the challenges that came his way rather than targeting an international recall. "To tell you the truth, I did not chase an India comeback. Yes, it is a dream. I am not saying that I am not happy. I am very happy. To play for India, to represent India, it is a matter of pride," Bhuvneshwar said. He added that consistently working on his cricket and fitness over the past four years had helped him remain focused without placing the pressure of an international return on himself. "For four years, whatever was coming in front of me — tournaments, challenges, whatever — about cricket, about fitness, whatever else, I kept doing it. I never thought that I would want to play cricket for only an India comeback," he said. Bhuvneshwar credited his performances in the IPL over the last two seasons for paving the way for his return to international cricket. The experienced pacer played a crucial role for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who won consecutive IPL titles. He claimed 17 wickets in the 2025 season before producing an even more impressive campaign in 2026, finishing with 28 wickets. His experience became particularly valuable for India ahead of the white-ball series against New Zealand, with Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya unavailable for this leg of the tour. However, Bhuvneshwar has found the transition back to international cricket challenging. Despite his impressive IPL record, he has struggled to make a significant impact in batter-friendly conditions during the ongoing T20I series. In three matches against New Zealand, he has taken just one wicket at an economy rate of 11.58 and a bowling average of 139.00. Earlier in the series, India bowling coach Morne Morkel acknowledged the difficulties surrounding Bhuvneshwar's return, pointing to the expectations that followed his strong IPL performances and the limited preparation time available before the international assignment. Morkel also highlighted the difference between domestic franchise cricket and international cricket, where the margins for error are considerably smaller. With India having secured the series, Bhuvneshwar will have further opportunities to find his rhythm as the team looks to finish the tour strongly. India will travel to Auckland for the fourth T20I on October 30 before concluding the series in Hamilton on November 1.

India's bowling coach Morne Morkel has urged senior pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar to block out external expectations and focus on rediscovering his rhythm after an expensive start to his much-anticipated return to international cricket. With India leading the five-match T20I series 2-0, Bhuvneshwar will be keen to improve his performance in the third match against New Zealand on Tuesday. The 36-year-old has conceded 49 and 50 runs in his four-over spells in the first two T20Is, managing just one wicket, that of Daryl Mitchell in the second match. His economy rate of 12.37 is currently the highest among India's bowlers in the series. Despite the difficult start, Morkel has backed the experienced seamer, pointing to his impressive performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the challenges of returning to international cricket after a lengthy absence. Morkel Backs Experienced Pacer Speaking ahead of the third T20I, Morkel acknowledged the pressure surrounding Bhuvneshwar's comeback after nearly four years away from international cricket. The right-arm pacer last represented India in November 2022 before returning to the T20I side earlier this month. His successful IPL campaigns, in which he claimed 17 and 28 wickets in consecutive title-winning seasons with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, helped him earn another opportunity at the international level. Morkel said expectations had naturally risen because of Bhuvneshwar's recent success, but stressed that the bowler needed time to settle back into the international environment. He also highlighted the limited preparation time available to the senior pacer before the series, explaining that international cricket demands a different level of precision, with very little room for error. According to Morkel, Bhuvneshwar possesses the necessary skills and experience, and the focus now is on allowing him to regain confidence and find his rhythm without worrying about outside pressure. The bowling coach's message was clear: Bhuvneshwar should trust his abilities, avoid chasing results and concentrate on executing his plans one delivery at a time. India Make Tactical Changes to Pace Attack India have also experimented with their third fast-bowling option in the opening two matches. Mayank Yadav featured in the first T20I, returning figures of 1 for 40, before Prince Yadav replaced him in the second game and took 1 for 30. Morkel clarified that the change was tactical rather than a reflection of Mayank's performance. He explained that Prince's ability to execute yorkers consistently at the death made him a suitable choice, particularly with the possibility of bowling second under wet-ball conditions and considering the dimensions of the ground. Morkel praised Mayank's performance in the opening match and said the young fast bowler could benefit from time to reflect on his game and develop a better understanding of reading batters, setting up overs and managing different phases of an innings. He added that Prince offered pace and the ability to bowl across all phases of a T20 match, with slightly better execution of the required yorkers at this stage. Wellington Wind Presents a Fresh Challenge As India prepare for the third T20I in Wellington, the weather could provide another significant test. The city is known for its strong winds, which have reportedly been particularly intense in recent days, while rain is also forecast for match day. Morkel admitted that the conditions were unusual, even for an experienced international cricketer, revealing that the wind was strong enough to make his hotel building shake. He warned that the gusts could affect several aspects of the game, including batting stance, balance and bowling execution. However, he encouraged the players to use their limited warm-up and training time to understand the conditions before focusing entirely on their skills during the match. Having played two Test matches at Wellington's Basin Reserve during his career with South Africa, Morkel also shared his experience with players unfamiliar with the conditions. He acknowledged that adjusting to the wind in just a few days would be difficult but urged the squad to view it as a challenge rather than an excuse for poor performances. Morkel emphasised that India would need at least one bowler willing to operate into the wind, rather than allowing all their bowlers to take advantage of favourable conditions. India Aim to Extend Series Lead India head into the third T20I with a commanding 2-0 lead in the five-match series after winning both opening matches in Christchurch. While the team will look to maintain its winning momentum, Bhuvneshwar's return to form remains an important talking point ahead of the Wellington encounter. With Morkel backing his experience and ability, the veteran pacer will have another opportunity to silence doubts and demonstrate why he remains a valuable option for India's T20I bowling attack.