India likely to ring changes for fifth T20 against New Zealand at Hamilton

The fifth and final T20 between India and New Zealand will be played on Sunday, November 1, at Seddon Park in Hamilton. India lead the series 3-1. The series is already India's, so the result of this match will have no bearing on the team.

Changes are likely in the Indian team for the last match. Players who have been getting regular opportunities may be rested for one game. After the defeat in the fourth T20, changes in the playing XI are considered almost certain. Here is a look at the probable playing XI.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi did not get a chance to play in the fourth T20 against New Zealand, so he could find a place in the XI. Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson have been playing continuously, and one of the two could be rested. Samson still has to prove himself, while Abhishek Sharma's place is secure. For this reason, Abhishek could get the rest.

Nitish Kumar Reddy is also likely to miss the fifth T20. Considering his workload, Shivam Dube could be given a chance in the XI in his place.

Arshdeep Singh is due to play in the ODI series against New Zealand, and he could be rested before that. In that case, Arshdeep could be left out and Bhuvneshwar Kumar brought back into the team. Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav are both key spinners, but neither has had a chance in New Zealand so far. Varun Chakravarthy could be given a chance in the fifth T20 in place of Axar Patel. Kuldeep is in both the ODI and Test squads, while Varun Chakravarthy is part of the T20 series only. So Varun could play the last T20, and Kuldeep could return in the ODI series.

The fifth T20 International will begin at 12:30 pm Indian time at Seddon Park in Hamilton. The match will be broadcast live on the Sony Sports Network TV channels and can also be watched live on the SonyLIV app.

India's probable playing XI: Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (captain), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Naman Dhir, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Varun Chakravarthy, Prince Yadav and Mayank Yadav.