It’s all happening at Rajkot’s Niranjan Shah Stadium. The venue? A quirky nod to Lord’s media center. But for England, it’s no cosy home away from home. They’re walking into a must-win game against an Indian side brimming with confidence.
The series stands at 2-0 in India’s favour. The stakes? Higher than ever. India has been on fire, clinching a seven-wicket win in Kolkata and surviving a nail-biter in Chennai, thanks to Tilak Varma’s breathtaking finish.
England’s Kryptonite? Spin
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England’s struggle against spin has been a recurring nightmare. The second T20I was proof. India bowled 14 overs of spin and left England scratching their heads. Varun Chakravarthy? Simply unplayable.
England hasn’t figured out how to rotate strike against spin in the middle overs. If they don’t crack the code soon, the series might slip away entirely.
What’s India Planning?
India may be winning, but they’re not flawless. Dew could be a game-changer in Rajkot, making it tough for bowlers in the second innings. Could an extra pacer sneak into their lineup? Maybe.
Suryakumar Yadav’s squad has depth, no doubt. Tilak Varma has been a revelation, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar add balance, and Arshdeep Singh’s opening spells are a nightmare for batters. But death bowling? Still a weak spot.
The takeaway? India might make tweaks, but their core strategy won’t waver.
England’s Blueprint to Survive
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For England, it’s simple—tackle India’s spin. Well, simpler said than done. Surviving Arshdeep’s new-ball bursts is just as critical.
Here’s what needs to happen:
- Jos Buttler and Harry Brook: Set the tone early.
- Middle-order firepower: Liam Livingstone must bring his A-game.
- Adil Rashid’s spin magic: Time to shine.
- Jofra Archer and co.: Early wickets or it’s game over.
The unchanged XI signals England’s faith in their squad. But they’ll need to deliver—big time.
Toss: The Silent Game-Changer
The toss might quietly decide this one. Dew under Rajkot’s lights gives chasing teams a huge edge. Winning the toss? Almost as important as winning the match.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Axar Patel vs Liam Livingstone: Can Livingstone finally break free?
- Jofra Archer vs Suryakumar Yadav: A duel of pure firepower.
- England’s top order vs Arshdeep Singh: Sink or swim moment.
The Prediction?
With home advantage and a squad firing on all cylinders, India enters as favorites. But England’s desperation could make them dangerous. One thing’s for sure—it’s going to be a thriller under the Rajkot lights.
Also Read: BCB To Take Legal Action Against Darbar Rajshahi For Unpaid Player Dues
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