India face New Zealand in the first T20 on January 21 in Nagpur after a 0-2 ODI loss. With Tilak Varma out and Ishan Kishan returning, team selection and top-order balance will be key for a strong start.
India vs New Zealand T20 Series: Probable Playing XI
New Delhi: The ODI series between India and New Zealand has concluded with a 2-0 victory for the Kiwis. Now, the focus shifts to the T20 series, with the first match scheduled on Wednesday, January 21, at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur.
After a disappointing ODI campaign, India, under captain Suryakumar Yadav, will look to start the T20 series on a winning note. The biggest challenge for the team management is finalizing the playing XI, given some key players’ fitness and availability issues.
India have been hit by the unavailability of Tilak Varma, who has been ruled out of the first three matches due to stomach issues. His absence raises questions about the top-order combination and middle-order flexibility.
On the brighter side, Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan have returned to the T20 squad after a long absence. Their presence provides additional options and strengthens India’s middle-order for the series.
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The likely opening pair could be Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, offering a left-right combination. Samson may also keep wickets.
Suryakumar Yadav, the captain, is expected at number three, followed by Ishan Kishan at number four. Kishan last played a T20 international in November 2023 and is part of India’s long-term plans for the 2026 T20 World Cup, boosting his selection prospects.
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This may push Shreyas Iyer out of the playing XI for the opener, as he is currently not included in India’s T20 World Cup squad. Teams can make squad changes until January 31, allowing flexibility based on conditions and performance.
At number five, Axar Patel is expected to bat, followed by all-rounder Hardik Pandya at six. Young talent Rinku Singh is likely to take the finisher’s role at seven, providing flexibility in the lower middle order.
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India’s pace attack is expected to be led by Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Harshit Rana, while Varun Chakravarthy could serve as the primary spinner. This combination balances experience, pace, and spin, giving India multiple options to tackle New Zealand’s batting lineup.
Abhishek Sharma
Sanju Samson (Wicketkeeper)
Suryakumar Yadav (Captain)
Ishan Kishan
Axar Patel
Hardik Pandya
Rinku Singh
Harshit Rana
Arshdeep Singh
Jasprit Bumrah
Varun Chakravarthy
India will aim to bounce back strongly in the T20 series after the ODI setback, with team selection, top-order stability, and balanced bowling set to play a decisive role in the opening match at Nagpur.
