Ex-India Batter Subramaniam Badrinath Suggests Varun Chakaravarthy Inclusion for 3rd T20I Against New Zealand

Former India batter Subramaniam Badrinath has expressed his views on India's team combination ahead of the third T20I against New Zealand, suggesting that spinner Varun Chakaravarthy be brought into the playing XI in place of youngster Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

India holds a 2-0 lead in the series heading into the third match, which is scheduled to take place in Wellington on Tuesday. A victory in this fixture would allow India to seal the series.

Match Context and Recent Developments

• Teams: India vs New Zealand
• Competition: T20I Series
• Venue: Wellington
• Match Date & Time Zone: Tuesday (Time zone as per local schedule)
• Format: T20I
• Series Status: India leads 2-0 after winning the first two matches.
• Reported Scores in First Two Games: New Zealand previously posted scores of 220 and 180, which India successfully chased in the second match after a target of 181.

Badrinath's Remarks on Selection

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was included in the playing XI for the second T20I following an injury to Ishan Kishan. Batting at No. 3, the youngster scored four runs from eight deliveries. While his inclusion extended India's batting depth to No. 8, Badrinath argued on his YouTube channel, *Cric it with Badri*, that the team could benefit more from an extra specialist bowler.

"Instead of playing Sooryavanshi at No.3, India can play Varun Chakaravarthy in the 11. The players down the order are doing well now. So, why not go for a bowler like Varun? New Zealand's scores of 220 and 180 could have been 200 and 160 in the first two games," Badrinath stated.

Varun Chakaravarthy has been sidelined since sustaining an abdominal side strain during the T20I series against Afghanistan last month.

Concerns Over Batting Positions

Badrinath also raised concerns regarding Sanju Samson's batting position, stating it would be unfair to move Samson from his preferred opening spot to accommodate Sooryavanshi. He noted that while Sooryavanshi has predominantly thrived as an opener, Samson's current form at the top of the order should be prioritized.

Team Outlook and Verification

As India prepares for the upcoming match in Wellington, bowling coach Morne Morkel has indicated expectations for continued improvement in bowling and performance against spin. Fans and analysts can verify official team lineups and match updates through the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) official channels and recognized sports news broadcasts.