India and New Zealand are set to clash in the first of a five-match T20I series today at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur. This series is crucial for India as it represents their final T20I matches before the T20 World Cup 2026, commencing on February 7. India will be looking to avenge their recent 1-2 ODI series loss against the Kiwis.

All eyes are on Suryakumar Yadav, who will be leading the Indian side. While his captaincy has been commendable, his recent batting form has been a concern. In his 38 matches as captain, he has scored 748 runs at an average of 23.37 and a strike rate of 151.11. He hasn't recorded a half-century since October 2024. Yadav has only managed 44 runs in his last four T20 matches. Despite the scrutiny, Yadav remains focused and committed to his aggressive style of play. He has stated that he doesn't want to change his identity as a batter and is confident that runs will eventually come. Suryakumar emphasized that his primary focus is on the team's performance and his happiness comes from the team's success. He is also approaching two milestones in T20 cricket. He is 212 runs away from becoming the third Indian to score 3,000 T20I runs, after Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. In all T20s, including the IPL, he needs just 25 more runs to reach 9,000 runs.

Another key focus is the return of Ishan Kishan to the squad. Kishan's inclusion adds intrigue, especially with the T20 World Cup on the horizon. He will be batting at No. 3 in the first game.

The series presents an opportunity for India to fine-tune their preparations for the T20 World Cup 2026. The Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur is known for its expansive boundaries and a surface that tends to favor spin as the game progresses. Tactical awareness and patience will be crucial on this ground.

Shreyas Iyer is in the Indian squad for the first three T20Is. Tilak Varma is being rested for the first three games to recover in time for the T20 World Cup 2026. Ravi Bishnoi has replaced Washington Sundar in the lineup after Sundar suffered a side strain. Shubman Gill has been dropped from the squad due to a run of bad form.

India has a strong record in bilateral T20I series, having won every series they have played in the shortest format, with 28 wins and only five losses. However, New Zealand, led by Mitchell Santner, is expected to provide a tough challenge.