Conway has scored just 20 runs in three innings in the ongoing five-match T20I series between India and New Zealand. Chopra also said that Rachin Ravindra or Mark Chapman will be given a chance in his XI role. For spot No. 4, the cricketer turned commentator retained the in-form Daryl Mitchell.
“There will be no place for Devon Conway in this team. In the XI I am trying to make, I might not even be able to keep Rachin Ravindra. I am thinking of keeping one of Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman. Whoever is there should play at No. 3. I will keep Daryl Mitchell at No. 4,” he said in a video shared on his YouTube channel.
Chopra said there is no reason to play Conway at the top of the rankings. Instead, he introduced wicketkeepers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen to open the batting. Glenn Phillips was given the spot at No. 5. Meanwhile, skipper Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell, Jimmy Neesham and Kyle Jamieson were named for positions No. 6 to No. 9.
“Devon Conway is not required. Start with Tim Seifert and Finn Allen. Then play Glenn Phillips at No. 5. I think playing Glenn Phillips above No. 5 is a bit too high. Then play all-rounders from No. 6 to No. 8. There you will find Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell, Jimmy Neesham and Kyle Jamieson,” he noted.
Chopra opined that since New Zealand have a plethora of spin-bowling all-rounders in their ranks, they do not need to play Ish Sodhi. Instead, he suggested they field the seam bowling trio of Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy.
“So you can have all-rounders up to number 9. Since you have already played Santner and Bracewell, you are not forced to play Ish Sodhi. Then you can go for Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy,” Chopra noted.
Aakash Chopra’s predicted New Zealand XI for the 2026 T20 World Cup: Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Mark Chapman/Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell, James Neesham, Kyle Jamieson/Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy.
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