India will begin their five-match T20I series against New Zealand with the opening match scheduled on Wednesday, January 21, at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium. The upcoming series will be important as both teams look to fine-tune their combinations ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
This article provides details on the probable playing XIs of India and New Zealand for the first T20I, offering insight into team selections and key players to watch in the series opener.
India Playing XI vs New Zealand 1st T20I:
Suryakumar Yadav will captain India for the series, but the squad will be without Tilak Varma and Washington Sundar, who are currently sidelined with injuries despite being named in the World Cup squad. Shreyas Iyer and Ravi Bishnoi have been brought into the side as replacements.
Openers: Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson
India are likely to stick with Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson at the top for the first T20I against New Zealand. After experimenting with the batting order in recent matches, the team management may back Samson, who also opened in his last outing against South Africa.
Middle-Order Batters and All-Rounders: Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube
Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan are back in the T20I setup after time away. While Iyer has featured in ODIs following his return from injury, Kishan has impressed in domestic cricket and is part of the T20 World Cup squad. Kishan has scored 796 runs in 32 T20Is at an average of 25, which could give him the edge.
Hardik Pandya adds value as a fast-bowling all-rounder, alongside Shivam Dube, who has been a regular in the side. Pandya’s bowling workload will be closely monitored after his injury.
Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy
Varun Chakaravarthy may be preferred over Kuldeep Yadav for the opener, as New Zealand batters handled Kuldeep well in the recent ODI series. Jasprit Bumrah will lead the pace attack, while Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana will compete for the remaining spot in the bowling lineup.
India Playing XI: Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy.
New Zealand Playing XI vs New Zealand 1st T20I:
New Zealand arrive for the series in good form after a 3-1 home T20I win over the West Indies. Known for their calm approach and clear plans, they are capable of challenging India with a well-balanced squad.
Openers: Devon Conway and Tim Robinson
Devon Conway and Tim Robinson are expected to open the innings. Both batters focus on stability and strike rotation, which will be key in preventing early pressure and setting a steady base.
Middle-Order Batters and All-Rounders: Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner
The middle order is built around Daryl Mitchell, who remains the backbone of the batting unit after strong recent performances against India. Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman add control through the middle overs.
James Neesham and Michael Bracewell provide power and depth, while captain Mitchell Santner contributes with both bat and ball, especially with spin expected to matter in Nagpur.
Bowlers: Kyle Jamieson, Jacob Duffy, Ish Sodhi, Mitchell Santner
New Zealand’s bowling attack offers variety and control. Kyle Jamieson provides bounce and seam, while Jacob Duffy can make use of any early movement. For New Zealand to succeed, disciplined bowling and at least one strong batting performance will be crucial.
New Zealand Playing XI: Devon Conway, Tim Robinson, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy
Also read: Mitchell Santner admits India still terrify New Zealand despite historic Test-ODI series wins
