- By Namrata Vijay
- Wed, 21 Jan 2026 09:54 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
IND vs NZ: Post losing the ODI series to New Zealand by 2-1, the focus will now shift to the T20I series beginning in Nagpur from Wednesday. It isn't just a five-match T20I series for the host but also their last preparation ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, which will be held next month. Since there are a few key players who are injured, this has led to a few changes in the team, and the playing XI is also under a lot of scrutiny.
Abhishek-Samson to open
Since Shubman Gill isn't part of the T20 team anymore, Sanju Samson will now open along with Abhishek Sharma. It's the perfect 'Left-Right’ combination for India's T20I team. Abhishek is the world's No.1 T20I batter, and his ability to entertain fans from the first ball helps Samson to play freely.
Ishan Kishan gets the nod at no.3
Tilak Varma's replacement in the series opener in Nagpur will be the highlight. During the pre-match press conference, captain Suryakumar Yadav revealed that Ishan Kishan will be batting at No.3. Since Shreyas Iyer is an injury replacement, Surya said that since Kishan is a part of the World Cup team, he will get the preference. He will get a perfect chance to seal his position after a long hiatus from the national team.
Strong middle-order
India's middle order looks formidable owing to the return of key players. Suryakumar Yadav will most likely bat at the No.4 position and will try to score big knocks. After him are the duo of Hardik Pandya and Rinku Singh. Hardik is returning to the team after a well-deserved rest. Rinku, the star finisher, will try to give the team a late innings finish, which he is known for.
India’s probable playing 11
Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel (vc), Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh.