Why Varun Chakaravarthy is Not Playing Today in IND vs NZ 3rd T20I?

The third T20I between India and New Zealand is being played on January 25 in Guwahati. The home team is currently leading the series 2-0 after stunning wins in the first two games. Now, all of their attention will be on wrapping up the series in the third match.

India's playing XI for the third game looks quite balanced but the absence of star bowler Varun Chakaravarthy wasn't an expected move. The mystery spinner has been a key part of India's T20I team but is not playing the third game of the series.

Why Varun Chakaravarthy is Not Playing Today in IND vs NZ 3rd T20I?

During the IND vs NZ 3rd T20I, Varun Chakaravarthy has been excluded as informed by India's skipper Suryakumar Yadav during the toss. He mentioned that the Varun has been rested for this match keeping his workload in mind for the T20 World Cup 2026. Meanwhile, Ravi Bishnoi has comes in as Varun Chakaravarthy replacement.

Initially, Bishnoi was not a part of the team but when Washington Sundar was ruled out due to injury during the ODI series, the bowler made his way into the T20I squad. Now that he has received a chance in the playing XI, it will be interesting to see how he makes use of this opportunity.

Bishnoi offers India with another unusual spin bowling option and could get into the squad for T20 World Cup in case there is any injury concern. The Indian team looks quite balanced with the batters in terrific form. With some of the best T20 batsmen in this line-up, the Men in Blue are serious contenders for the T20 World Cup 2026.

Varun Chakaravarthy's Recent T20I Form

Popularly known as the mystery spinner, Varun Chakaravarthy has been extremely valuable for the Indian team. Ever since he has made his debut for the Men in Blue, he has been consistently taking wickets and emerged as one of the best T20 bowlers in the world.

In 35 matches, he has taken 58 wickets at an average of 15.34. His consistency was rewarded in September 2025 when he became the No. 1 T20I bowler with 818 rating points. His performance in the Asia Cup 2025 was key to help India clinch victory. His skills make him such a useful bowler in this format and a nightmare for the opposition team.

India Playing 11 for 3rd T20I Against New Zealand

Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Harshit Rana, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah