T20 World Cup: Kane Williamson opts to field as India include Ishan Kishan, Shardul Thakur

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has opted to field after winning the toss in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021 encounter against India. The former have gone in with one change as Adam Milne replaces Tim Seifert. Williamson has further stated that Devon Conway will be donning the role of a keeper. India have gone in with two changes. Ishan Kishan has replaced Suryakumar Yadav, and will be seen adopting the role of an opener. Shardul Thakur marks the second change, having been included at the expense of Bhuvneshwar Kumar. According to an official update by the BCCI, Suryakumar complained of back spasms. He has been advised rest by the BCCI Medical Team and has stayed back at the team hotel.

“Need a solid start and have wickets in hand”

Kohli admitted that he would have opted to field as well, if he had won the toss.

“We would have bowled first as well. Need a solid start and have wickets in hand to get those extra 20-25 runs are the learnings from the last game. We do have the bowling line-up to take wickets, but when you don’t have runs on the board one partnership can take the game away from you. Understand that and plans are there to get those extra runs. It’s ridiculous, we are playing twice in 10 days. Too long a break, but yeah, the guys have recovered well. Had good practice sessions, are itching to go out on the field, which is a good thing. When you have so many days off you want to get on the park and get into the groove. It’s another opportunity to come out and correct the mistakes. Two changes. One forced, Surya has a lower back spasm, so Ishan Kishan will replace him and open the batting. Shardul Thakur replaces Bhuvneshwar Kumar,” said the Team India skipper as quoted by Cricbuzz.

“Hopefully a bit of movement in the surface”

Williamson termed his decision to field as being influenced by the dew factor at that time of the year.

“We are going to bowl, dew factor at this time of the year. Hopefully a bit of movement in the surface like the other night. Look forward to another challenge against these guys who are obviously one of the favourites in the tournament. One change, Adam Milne comes in for Tim Seifert. Just us a nice balance to our bowling attack, provides us the extra pace as well. Conway will keep,” stated the New Zealand skipper.

It will be really interesting to note the approach from Williamson, considering the fact that his team enjoys a great record against India in World Cup encounters. At the same time, New Zealand are not enjoying a great run in the ongoing tournament.

Lineups:

India (Playing XI): Ishan Kishan, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli(c), Rishabh Pant(w), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah.

New Zealand (Playing XI): Martin Guptill, Daryl Mitchell, Kane Williamson(c), James Neesham, Devon Conway(w), Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Adam Milne, Trent Boult.