The five-match T20 series between India and New Zealand begins today in Nagpur ahead of the T20 World Cup. Captain Suryakumar Yadav's poor form remains a concern, while the return of Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Varun Chakravarthy strengthens the team. A contest brews between Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan for spots in the playing XI.
The first T20 match between India and New Zealand will be played in Nagpur on Wednesday at 7 PM. The series runs from January 21 to 31, serving as the final major preparation for the T20 World Cup starting February 7. Under captain Suryakumar Yadav, India has won 18 of 25 T20s since 2024, but his batting dipped in 2025—218 runs in 19 matches at a strike rate of 123.
The return of Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Varun Chakravarthy bolsters the side. Hardik provides balance, Bumrah leads the pace attack, and Varun could dominate middle overs. With Kuldeep Yadav out of form, Varun may shoulder more responsibility.
A battle for playing XI spots pits Shreyas Iyer against Ishan Kishan. Shreyas earned a call-up due to Tilak Varma's injury, but Ishan's aggressive style makes him a contender for number 3 or 4. The Indian Express predicts Ishan at number 3, with Shreyas likely benched.
New Zealand, fresh off Test and ODI series wins over India, aims for a T20 trifecta. Led by captain Mitchell Santner, players like Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, and Glenn Phillips form a strong unit. India's predicted XI: Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy. New Zealand: Finn Allen, Devon Conway (wicketkeeper), Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner (captain), Rachin Ravindra, James Neesham, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi.