The turning point in the second T20I came during leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi's costly spell. Bishnoi conceded 29 runs in a single over, including two no-balls, and finished with figures of 4 overs for 60 runs as England successfully chased India's total. The defeat extended Iyer's winless run as India's T20I captain after a 2-0 series loss in Ireland and the opening defeat against England at Chester-le-Street.
Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan has backed Lucknow Super Giants fast bowler Prince Yadav as Bishnoi's replacement for the third T20I. According to Pathan, India need an additional pace option unless the Nottingham pitch is expected to offer significant assistance to spin.
Pathan said he would like to see only one change in the playing XI, with Prince Yadav replacing Ravi Bishnoi unless conditions favour spin. He explained that relying on only two specialist fast bowlers without using Shivam Dube as the third seamer makes it difficult during the Powerplay and the death overs if one of the pacers has an off day.
He further stated that while spin remains important in controlling the middle overs, a third fast bowler would give the captain greater flexibility in rotating the bowling attack. Pathan added that if Bishnoi had conceded only 12 or 13 runs instead of 29 in that crucial over, the outcome could have been very different. He also praised Prince Yadav's ability to bowl effective slower bouncers and accurate yorkers, describing him as a quality death-over specialist.
Apart from Prince Yadav, the Indian team management could also consider bringing in all-rounders Suryansh Shedge or Washington Sundar as alternatives to Bishnoi. However, Prince Yadav is viewed as the stronger option because of the additional control he can provide during the closing stages of the innings.
#WATCH | England: Teenage Cricket sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi met his fans, clicked selfies with them and signed autographs after Team India's practice session at Trent Bridge, Nottingham today. India will face England tomorrow (7th July) in the third T20 match of the series. pic.twitter.com/kXN2uRdGd8
— ANI (@ANI) July 6, 2026
India are expected to retain 15-year-old opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after he became the youngest-ever Indian debutant at the age of 15 years and 99 days during the second T20I on Saturday. His inclusion is likely to keep Sanju Samson out of the playing XI for another match.
Speaking about the teenage opener, Pathan described Sooryavanshi's international debut as one of the biggest positives not only for the Indian team but also for world cricket. He said the youngster is inspiring an entirely new generation of aspiring cricketers by proving that age is not a barrier to reaching the highest level.
Pathan acknowledged that Sooryavanshi would be disappointed after scoring 14 runs from 10 balls, adding that even his strike rate fell below the standards the youngster has already set for himself. However, he praised Sooryavanshi for continuing to play his natural attacking game and described him as a special talent. Pathan also cautioned that the young batter must prepare for the strategies opposition bowlers will develop against him in future matches.
England, meanwhile, have confirmed that they will field an unchanged playing XI under captain Harry Brook for the third T20I. Fast bowlers Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue will continue in the side after making their return during the second match.
With India searching for their first victory under Shreyas Iyer's T20I captaincy and England aiming to strengthen their advantage in the series, the third T20I at Trent Bridge is set to be a crucial contest that could shape the remainder of the five-match battle.
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