Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 31 (.) A roaring Greenfield Stadium got what it wanted when India captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed local favourite Sanju Samson’s inclusion moments after winning the toss and opting to bat first against New Zealand in the final match of the five-game T20I series here on Saturday.
Choosing to bat, Suryakumar said the decision was influenced by the expected dew later in the evening and a surface that promised true bounce for most of the contest. “We were here last night, there was a lot of dew and we want to test ourselves. The groundsman says it is going to be true for 40 overs,” he said.
India made a few changes to the playing XI, with Axar Patel and Ishan Kishan returning to the side. The skipper’s announcement of Samson’s inclusion drew loud cheers from the stands. “Don’t worry Thiruvananthapuram, Sanju Samson is playing tonight,” Suryakumar said, adding that the team was still awaiting Tilak Varma’s availability.
Reflecting on the team’s overall balance, Suryakumar expressed satisfaction with India’s progress across departments. “We have almost covered all the departments. Every game we learn something and take it forward,” he said.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner said conditions might not be as dewy as expected and confirmed four changes to his side. “It might not be too dewy tonight. We have got four changes – Allen in for Conway, Neesham is in for Chapman, KJ and Lockie are in,” he said.
Welcoming the return of key players, Santner added, “It is always nice to have them back, and it is an opportunity to see what they have got.”
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