Former Pakistan skipper Salman Butt has suggested three changes for Team India heading into the contest against New Zealand later tonight in Dubai. Both teams lost their opening game against Pakistan making this game a virtual quarter-final. The team winning this game is likely to finish second in group 1 with Pakistan topping the group with six points.

Salman Butt in his newly launched video on his Youtube channel previewed the India-New Zealand game saying that the Virat Kohli-led side should make at least three changes in this game.

“Ishan, Shardul and Ashwin must play. Thakur should definitely play if Hardik Pandya is unfit to bowl. The Indian captain needs that sixth bowling option in case one bowler goes for runs. At times, there is a chance that, out of five bowlers, one can have an off-day. That’s why that sixth bowling option is so crucial.”

Butt also backed Ravichandran Ashwin to come good with the bat if the opportunity presents itself in the game.

“Ashwin is an outstanding bowler and a wicket-taker. He can bat as well. As a batting unit, you can play with greater freedom when you know there is depth in batting” Butt said.

The 37-year-old also admitted that India will struggle to make an impression against New Zealand unless their Top 3 perform.

“If the Top 3 fire, India become the favorites. Without them performing, it would be difficult for India to trouble New Zealand” he further added.

Butt backed Varun Chakravarthy to do much better than how he performed against Pakistan. The mystery spinner bowled a wicketless spell when he was expected to do the trick for India with The Men in Green not having seen much of him. Butt earlier said that Chakravarthy was not much of a mystery for the Pakistan team.

“Varun could be lethal if he bowls well because countries like New Zealand do not play mystery spin as well. Of course, he would not want to bowl in the dew.”

Butt concluded by saying the battle between the Indian top order and Trent Boult will be a mouthwatering prospect.

---