Sunil Gavaskar predicts India’s best ODI XI, Yashasvi Jaiswal likely to miss decider vs New Zealand
The India vs New Zealand ODI series heads into a thrilling decider on January 18 in Indore. Both teams are level at 1-1 after contrasting results in the first two games. India started strong with a four-wicket win in Vadodara, but New Zealand bounced back with a dominant seven-wicket victory in Rajkot.
As India prepares for the final match, legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar weighed in on the playing XI. He said the Shubman Gill-led team would field “their best ODI XI,” suggesting that Yashasvi Jaiswal might miss out.
Jaiswal, who has become a regular in India’s Test lineup, was recently recalled to the ODI squad when Gill missed the South Africa series due to injury. The young opener struggled initially, scoring 18 and 22 in his first two games. He then starred with an unbeaten 116, helping India clinch a win.
Despite that match-winning knock, Jaiswal did not play in the first two ODIs against New Zealand, as Gill returned for the series. He remains part of the squad for the decider but, according to Gavaskar, he is unlikely to get a chance.
“Had India won the second game, they could have experimented with the lineup and given opportunities to those who haven’t played much,” Gavaskar said on JioHotstar. “Someone like Jaiswal could have played. But now, India can’t take any risks. They have to field their best eleven again.”
The second ODI in Rajkot offered a competitive total of 284/7, but India struggled to defend it. Daryl Mitchell’s brilliant century and Will Young’s 87 guided New Zealand to a comfortable seven-wicket win, reaching the target with 15 balls remaining.
Gavaskar admitted he was surprised by New Zealand’s effortless chase. “Before they batted, everyone expected India to use the slow pitch to their advantage. We thought the hosts could restrict New Zealand to around 260-270,” he said. “I thought India would win easily, but New Zealand used the slow conditions perfectly and the bowlers executed well.”
The decider in Indore promises to be a high-pressure game. India must balance experience and form, while New Zealand will aim to continue their momentum. Gavaskar’s insight indicates that Gill’s presence and a settled lineup will likely take precedence over experimentation, leaving Jaiswal on the bench despite his talent and prior heroics.
With the series tied, both teams will enter the third ODI focused on strategy, execution, and handling nerves under pressure. For India, maintaining consistency in batting and bowling will be key to securing the series win at home, while New Zealand will rely on their in-form batters to chase down targets successfully.
Gavaskar’s prediction reflects a pragmatic approach: in a winner-takes-all match, India will field their strongest combination, prioritizing proven performers over new or returning players. The final showdown in Indore is set to test India’s depth, adaptability, and composure under pressure.
