Axar Patel didn't play the second T20I.
Will Axar Patel play tonight in the IND vs NZ 3rd T20I? This has been a major question among fans since he didn’t feature in the previous game.
ALSO READ:
Axar Patel sustained a finger injury in the opening T20I against New Zealand and was unfit for the second one. Hence, the question ‘Will Axar Patel play tonight in the IND vs NZ 3rd T20I’ remains valid, especially with the T20 World Cup 2026 around the corner.
Speaking at the toss, India captain Suryakumar Yadav announced two changes in the India playing XI; however, Axar Patel is not part of the lineup tonight. His injury didn’t appear serious, but resting him for the matches in Raipur and Guwahati seems to be a precaution as the T20 World Cup 2026 approaches.
In the first T20I, he scored five runs and struggled with his bowling, giving up 12 runs per over while claiming one wicket. His absence creates a significant gap at No. 8 in India’s Playing XI, making it a major setback.
For the IND vs NZ 3rd T20I, India has rested Varun Chakaravarthy and Arshdeep Singh, even though both performed very well in the first two T20Is. Varun is currently tied as the highest wicket-taker in the five-match series.
Sanju Samson(w), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Harshit Rana, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah
For more updates, follow CricXtasy on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
