Sun Mar 09 07:20:00 UTC 2025: ## India May Surprise with Bold Squad Change for New Zealand Match

**New Delhi:** In a surprising move, Team India is reportedly considering a significant change to its winning combination for the upcoming match against New Zealand on March 2nd. While captains often stick with successful lineups, especially under similar playing conditions, India’s practice session suggests a potential shake-up.

Sources indicate that the team management is seriously contemplating replacing left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav with Washington Sundar. This is despite Kuldeep’s impressive 3-wicket haul against Pakistan. The rationale, according to sources, lies in New Zealand’s lineup, which features several left-handed batsmen like Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Tom Latham, and Mitchell Santner, who are adept at sweeping. While India also possesses other left-arm spinners in Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja, their batting prowess is deemed too valuable to drop.

Sundar, an off-spinner, presents a contrasting challenge to left-handed batsmen, boasting a strong record against them. His ability to bowl with the new ball is another advantage. Furthermore, Sundar’s inclusion would bolster India’s batting depth, providing nine capable batsmen in the playing XI.

The potential inclusion of Sundar signifies a strategic shift, aiming to exploit New Zealand’s batting weakness and further strengthen India’s all-around capabilities. The match promises an intriguing contest as India contemplates fielding a team with four all-rounders against New Zealand.

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