Suryakumar Yadav, the captain of the Indian T20I team, has outlined the team's playing XI for the first T20I against New Zealand, which begins on Wednesday, January 21, at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur. The five-match series serves as crucial preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
Ishan Kishan to Bat at No. 3
With Tilak Varma sidelined for the first three T20Is due to an abdominal surgery, Ishan Kishan is set to take his place at No. 3 in the batting order. Suryakumar Yadav confirmed this decision, emphasizing the team management's confidence in the left-handed batsman. "Ishan will play at No.3," Yadav told reporters on Tuesday. He further explained that Kishan was chosen over Shreyas Iyer because Kishan is already part of the World Cup squad and deserves the opportunity.
Shreyas Iyer's Inclusion
Shreyas Iyer has been added to the squad for the first three T20Is as a replacement for the injured Tilak Varma. However, Suryakumar Yadav's statement indicates that Iyer will not be in the playing XI for the first match. Iyer's inclusion in the squad is conditional, depending on Varma's availability for the final two games and the subsequent T20 World Cup.
India's Predicted Playing XI
Based on the information available, India's predicted playing XI for the 1st T20I against New Zealand is likely to be:
- Sanju Samson (wk)
- Abhishek Sharma
- Ishan Kishan
- Suryakumar Yadav (c)
- Hardik Pandya
- Axar Patel
- Rinku Singh
- Shivam Dube
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Arshdeep Singh
- Varun Chakaravarthy
Series Significance
The five-match T20I series holds significant importance as India prepares for the T20 World Cup 2026. The series provides an opportunity for the team to fine-tune their combinations and assess the form of key players. Suryakumar Yadav, who has led India to a winning percentage of over 72% since taking over as T20I captain in 2024, faces a crucial test as he aims to regain his batting form.
Match Details
The first T20I between India and New Zealand will be held at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. The match is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM IST. It will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network and streamed on the JioHotstar app and website.
