India will probably go with the same XI, dropping Hooda after a washout will be unfair: Wasim Jaffer

After being hammered in the first ODI of the series against New Zealand, team India made an unexpected change by bringing in Deepak Hooda for Sanju Samson in the second ODI. The decision was taken with the motive to add an extra bowling option in the playing XI. However, with the match being called off due to rain, Hooda didn’t get an opportunity to prove himself.

Now, before the third and final match of the series at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Wednesday (November 30), former India international Wasim Jaffer believes that the Men in Blue are expected to back Hooda for the third ODI as dropping him would be unfair. 

In the meantime, Sanju Samson, who got dropped for Hooda can also replace Rishabh Pant in the squad. The wicketkeeper-batter is currently going through a very rough patch and many former cricketers including Simon Doull and Aakash Chopra have doubts about Pant’s future in white-ball cricket. Especially, with Samson waiting in the wings. 

A major section of the fans believes that the Kerala-born wicketkeeper-batter deserves more opportunity as a few of his fans were also spotted protesting about the same in the ongoing FIFA World Cup. However, Jaffer stated that the team is unlikely to make any changes for the next game and thus, Samson could once again be seen warming the bench.

“Well, I think they will back the same XI they played in the second ODI. It will be very unfair on Deepak Hooda as well because he didn’t get an opportunity to do anything and to leave him out again and bring in probably Sanju (Samson) again.

I don’t know. I’m not too sure but I think India will probably go with the same XI and stick with that combination,” said Jaffer while talking to ESPNcricinfo.

India breached a lot of fortresses in the recent past, expecting them to do that again: Jaffer

Over the course of time, the New Zealand team has made the Hagley Oval their fortress in white-ball cricket. Mitchell McClenaghan mentioned that while talking to ESPNcricinfo and to which, Jaffer reminded McClenaghan that the Men in Blue have breached a lot of fortresses in the recent past.

He (Jaffer) also expects India to win the third ODI and finish the series on level terms.

“Well, India breached a lot of fortresses in recent past. So, expecting them to do that again. Win the toss hopefully and do what they want to do and then probably chase it down. First thing first, if they win the toss, bowl first and then chase it down. Hoping for that,” Jaffer said in the same show.