IND vs NZ Playing 11 1st T20: What could be India’s batting and bowling selection for series opener in Nagpur?

After the recently-concluded ODI series, India and New Zealand will begin their five-match T20I series in Nagpur on Wednesday (January 21), with both sides facing tricky selection calls. For India, the opener is about quick redemption after losing a home ODI series to the Kiwis for the first time. With top names back in the mix, the spotlight is firmly on who makes the final XI, and who misses out.

Shreyas out, Kishan Returns at No.3?

India’s team selection drama starts with the batting order. Shreyas Iyer, drafted into the squad as an injury replacement for Tilak Varma, may not walk straight into the playing XI. T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has already confirmed Ishan Kishan at No.3 for the series opener.

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"Ishan will play third [No. 3]. Because [he's] in our World Cup team, we have picked him first. So, it's his responsibility, and he has to play. He has been doing well in domestic cricket. He hasn't played for the Indian team for 1-1.5 years. We have picked him in the World Cup team, and he deserves to play,” SKY said.

That statement all but shuts the door on Iyer for the Nagpur game, at least for now.

Likely Indian batting order

Apart from Kishan’s confirmed slot, India are expected to stick close to the combination used against South Africa late last year. Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson are likely to open, with Suryakumar Yadav anchoring the middle order at No.4.

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Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya could handle the power-hitting and all-round duties at five and six, while Rinku Singh is tipped to return as the designated finisher at No.7, a role that suits his T20 reputation.

Spin vs pace: India’s bowling order

The bowling unit is where India may tweak things. Vice-captain Axar Patel slots in neatly at No.8, but the big call is between Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy. Given the preference for a specialist mystery spinner, Varun appears to have the edge for the opener.

Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh are expected to lead the pace attack, with Hardik Pandya offering the third seam option if required.

India’s predicted XI for 1st T20I vs New Zealand

Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel/Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh.

With Kishan confirmed at No.3, it is almost certain that Shreyas Iyer will sit out the Nagpur clash.

Predicted XIs
India predicted XI: Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy.

New Zealand eyes World Cup preparation

For New Zealand, the series is less about experimentation and more about preparation. With the T20 World Cup around the corner in India and Sri Lanka, the Black Caps are expected to field their strongest possible XI to get used to subcontinental conditions.

New Zealand predicted XI:
Finn Allen, Devon Conway (wk), Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner (c), Rachin Ravindra, James Neesham, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi.

As the lights come on in Nagpur, India’s team sheet will carry as much intrigue as the match itself — with Kishan grabbing his chance and others waiting for theirs.