India aim to seal series in potential high-scoring encounter

The third T20I between India and England could see a run-fest at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. India's spinners and England's pacers have been the key performers so far, but the pitch conditions in Rajkot might shift the dynamic. India women recently scored 370 and 435 against Ireland on this ground, hinting at a high-scoring match.

England, currently 0-2 down, will rely on their top-order batters to step up. India's Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma have been in fine form, but Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson are yet to make a significant impact. Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakravarthy had an off day in Chennai, but they aim to bounce back and lead a disciplined bowling effort.

Match Details

• Date: Tuesday, January 28
• Time: 7:00 PM IST
• Venue: Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot

What to expect

The average first innings total in Rajkot is 189, with India scoring 228 against Sri Lanka in their last match here. The pitch is expected to be batting-friendly, leading to a high-scoring encounter.

Team Updates

• Shivam Dube and Ramandeep Singh attended the practice session, while Dhruv Jurel and Washington Sundar are likely to be persisted with.
• India may consider bringing in Mohammed Shami or Harshit Rana to strengthen their pace department.
• Sanju Samson was seen batting against plastic balls and short-pitched bowling, preparing for the match.
• Harry Brook has struggled against Varun Chakravarthy's googlies, and Arshdeep Singh's short-pitched deliveries have been effective against Phil Salt.

Probable XI

• Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi/Mohammed Shami/Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy

England's XI

• Ben Duckett, Philip Salt (wk), Jos Buttler (c), Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Jamie Smith, Jamie Overton, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood

Key Facts

• Rajkot has the third-highest run-rate among Indian venues that have hosted at least five T20Is.
• Harry Brook has been dismissed six times in 35 balls facing googlies from leg-spinners.
• England's record against Indian spinners in T20Is since 2024: 6/58 in 11 overs, 5/67 in 12 overs, 6/118 in 14 overs.

Quotes

• Sitanshu Kotak: "Every player would have different plans and they all have different areas and different ways to play. So, I have to just see that they are comfortable (with their game) and then what I can aid where they get benefitted."
• Mark Wood: "You've got to believe, haven't you? It's no good sitting here saying 'I think that's it'. We've got three games to play and three chances of a win. There was a big gulf in the first game but it was much tighter and entertaining in the last game. If we can close the gap again, hopefully we can get the win in this one."