India vs New Zealand 1st T20I: Date, squads and preview
India look to reset in the T20 format after the ODI setback
India begins a five-match T20 International series against New Zealand on Wednesday, using the contest as the final competitive phase of their build-up to the T20 World Cup title defense. The opening match will be played at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur, with a 7 pm IST start.
The series follows India’s 2–1 defeat in the preceding ODI leg, a result that has sharpened attention on combinations and roles as the shorter format comes into focus. While none of the T20Is are scheduled at World Cup venues, conditions across the venues are expected to be conducive for assessing form and balance.
Top-order scrutiny and squad adjustments
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India’s batting order is under close watch after recent changes ahead of the World Cup squad announcement. The absence of Tilak Varma, who is unavailable for the first three matches following abdominal surgery, has further narrowed options in the middle order.
Suryakumar Yadav will lead the side, with Axar Patel named vice-captain. The squad blends established T20 regulars with players pushing for defined roles, particularly in the finishing and bowling departments.
New Zealand arrives with a settled core led by Mitchell Santner. Their squad includes a mix of power hitters, all-rounders, and experienced bowlers, offering flexibility across conditions.
Likely XIs for the series opener
India are expected to open with Sanju Samson behind the stumps, alongside Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan at the top. The middle order could feature Suryakumar Yadav, Axar Patel, and Hardik Pandya, with Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube providing depth. Jasprit Bumrah is set to lead the pace attack, supported by Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakaravarthy.
New Zealand’s probable XI includes Finn Allen and Devon Conway at the top, followed by Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, and Mark Chapman. Santner is likely to marshal a bowling unit featuring Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, and Ish Sodhi.
Schedule, broadcast, and head-to-head
The five-match series runs from January 21 to January 31, covering Nagpur, Raipur, Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, and Thiruvananthapuram. The opening T20I will be broadcast on the Star Sports network, with live streaming available on the JioHotstar platform.
In ODI head-to-head meetings, India holds a 15–10 advantage over New Zealand from 25 matches, a backdrop that adds context as the rivalry shifts formats once again.
