India VS New Zealand: Why the series is an excellent opportunity for Sanju Samson, Umran Malik and Harshal Patel

Given the next T20 World Cup is in 2024 and the next upcoming major assignment is the ODI World Cup in 2023, for which India seemingly have a more settled side, it makes sense to start building for the tournament from here on out itself. 

And while many are clamouring for a total overhaul, that's only partially necessary at this point. All India need is to reintegrate a few familiar faces into the team. 

In that sense, it's impossible to escape the feeling that this is a big series for three players – Sanju Samson, Umran Malik, and Harshal Patel. And all for very different reasons. 

For Sanju Samson, it is the time to prove to the world that he's more than just 'talent' and can be a consistent match-winner at the international level. 

Everyone knows the lad from Kerala is talented. He would not be in the scheme of things for the national side if he wasn't. 

But talent isn't everything, and Sanju Samson has remained on the team's periphery despite having talent in spades. However, not all of it is down to him. 

Sanju Samson can rightfully argue that he's never been given a sustained run in the side, coming in and out of the team on the whims and fancies of those in charge. 

However, he's unfortunately never precisely set the international stage on fire, and that's what holds him down. 

But there's no time like the present – and in a role of a finisher the BCCI has told him to prepare for, he could be exactly what India needs. 

As far as Umran Malik, this could be his chance to fill a void India desperately needs at the international level – that of an express-pace fast bowler. 

India has plenty of pace bowlers in their ranks, but none can match Umran Malik's raw pace. The Jammu and Kashmir pacer regularly crossed the 150 km/h mark during the 2022 IPL. 

However, his brief forays into the international stage showed he was still raw. The talent and potential are there; it just needs more seasoning. And that's what the aim will be for him when he plays in New Zealand. 

Harshal Patel is a unique case. He was seen as India's designated death overs bowler, particularly in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah. 

However, he didn't get a single game during the World Cup, and India's death bowling remains an Achilles heel for the side. 

When Jasprit Bumrah is back, the need for an in-form Harshal Patel diminishes. However, there are only so many options. 

Therefore, should he get some game time in this series, he would want to take the chance to remind everyone of his skills. 

He can nail the yorkers regularly, and his dipping slower ball can often trick even the best of the lot. India could do much worse than having him around the squad. 

One thing is sure–India have plenty of options as they move forward. But there will be a particular focus on this trio.