India and New Zealand are set to face off in the 5th and final T20 International in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday, January 31, 2026. India has already clinched the series, holding a 3-1 lead. However, both teams will be aiming for a win to boost their confidence ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup. India, after losing the fourth match, will be keen to finish the series on a high note.

All eyes will be on Axar Patel, who is set to make his return to the playing XI after recovering from a finger injury sustained in the series opener. His inclusion could add balance to the Indian side. The team may rest Hardik Pandya to manage his workload, paving the way for Axar's return. Alongside Axar, Ishan Kishan is also expected to be back in the team after missing the previous game due to a minor issue. India has made three changes in their side going into the game against New Zealand in the fifth of the five match T20I series. Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and chose to bat first.

Sanju Samson will be under immense pressure, playing in front of his home crowd at the Greenfield International Stadium. After failing to perform in the previous games, Samson will be eager to find his form and justify his place in the team before the T20 World Cup. In four innings against New Zealand, Samson has scored 40 runs at an average of 10 and a strike rate of 142.86. He will look to capitalize on this opportunity to solidify his position. He was dismissed by Mitchell Santner in the fourth T20I. Ahead of the match, Samson addressed his technical issues during a 30-minute practice session.

The pitch is expected to be favorable for batting, with dew likely to be a factor in the late evening.

For New Zealand, this match is an opportunity to gain momentum before the T20 World Cup. After a disappointing performance in the series, they secured a victory in the last match and will aim to continue their winning streak.

India's Playing XI includes Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson(w), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Jasprit Bumrah. New Zealand's Playing XI features Tim Seifert(w), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Bevon Jacobs, Mitchell Santner(c), Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, and Jacob Duffy.