IND vs NZ 2026: 'Bring Arshdeep Singh back' - Former India pacer demands crucial change for series-decider in Indore

Published - 15 Jan 2026, 14:49 IST | Updated - 15 Jan 2026, 15:03 IST

Former Indian cricketer Varun Aaron has called for a crucial change in India's XI for the third and final ODI of the series between the hosts and New Zealand. The three-match competition is currently levelled at 1-1, and the series-deciding encounter is scheduled to be played in Indore on Sunday, January 18. The erstwhile India pacer has demanded for a change in the hosts' playing XI for the all-important fixture.

Right-arm pacer Prasidh Krishna has looked a little underwhelming with the new ball in the series, and has also been on the receiving end of runs. As a result, Aaron has advocated for the inclusion of left-arm fast bowler Arshdeep Singh into the line-up. He commented on how Arshdeep's abilities to contribute with wickets with the new ball will be crucial for the Men in Blue.

"I think taking wickets with the new ball (will be important). Bring Arshdeep Singh back. It is a decider. He takes wickets with the new ball wherever he plays. According to me, Arshdeep Singh should play this important game," shared Aaron while speaking on JioStar.

India have managed to pick up only one wicket inside the opening powerplay across the matches played in Vadodara and Rajkot. They have not been able to effectively make the most of the conditions with the new ball on both occasions in terms of denting the flow of the opposition by striking breakthroughs inside the first 10 overs of the innings.

Arshdeep, meanwhile, has been on the bench along with the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel. All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy got his opportunity in the second ODI, coming in for Washington Sundar who suffered an injury to his rib area during the series-opening contest a few days back. It will be interesting to see whether the management goes ahead with featuring Arshdeep at the Holkar Cricket Stadium.

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The series is currently level at 1-1 after New Zealand were successful in chasing 285 in Rajkot on January 14. The hosts could pick up only three wickets in 47.3 overs, as a fine knock from Daryl Mitchell meant the tourists got past the finish line with considerable ease at the end. The first match was clinched by India via a four-wicket margin with an over to spare. The ODIs will be followed by five 20-over matches, scheduled to commence from January 21.