India face a crucial series-deciding ODI against New Zealand on Sunday at Holkar Stadium, with team management likely to reassess their bowling combination after spinners struggled in the first two matches. The second ODI in Rajkot exposed India’s middle-over vulnerabilities, particularly against New Zealand’s slow bowlers, who choked scoring and forced errors from the home side.

Kuldeep Yadav, in particular, failed to impose control in the middle overs, with Daryl Mitchell leading the assault by using his feet and sweeping effectively. The Indian spinners as a group were unable to maintain pressure, contrasting sharply with the disciplined Kiwi spin attack that dominated India’s batting lineup in both ODIs.

The Indore pitch, known for its short boundaries and batting-friendly surfaces, demands disciplined lengths and clever use of angles rather than excessive flight. Team management may consider Ayush Badoni’s off-spin over Nitish Kumar Reddy to strengthen the spin department, while also reviewing options to bolster the pace attack with Arshdeep Singh alongside Mohammed Siraj.

Also Read: Mumbai Indians Women Eye Third Consecutive Win as UP Warriorz Face Do-or-Die Clash in WPL 2026

Early breakthroughs with the new ball are expected to be key, particularly in containing New Zealand’s top order. Siraj is set to lead the attack, while Prasidh Krishna’s role may be reconsidered depending on whether India include an additional pace option to support Ravindra Jadeja, the lone spin all-rounder.

India’s batting core is unlikely to change, with Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer remaining central to the lineup. At Holkar, totals can escalate quickly, so India will need to combine early wickets, tighter middle-over bowling, and strategic field placements to gain the upper hand.

India enter the decider with an impressive record at Holkar Stadium, winning all five previous matches at the venue, including encounters against England, West Indies, South Africa, and Australia. While India rested on Friday, the Kiwis trained diligently, signaling that execution and strategy will define the outcome of this high-stakes ODI.

Also Read: Mohsin Naqvi Celebrates Pakistan's Dominant U19 Asia Cup Win Over India