With the T20 World Cup 2026 approaching on February 7, India are set to fine-tune their team combinations in a five-match T20I series against New Zealand, starting January 21, 2026, in Nagpur. The Suryakumar Yadav-led Men in Blue aim to test combinations and build momentum ahead of the global tournament, keeping cricket fans eagerly anticipating team strategy and player form.

A major talking point ahead of the first T20I is the return of Ishan Kishan to the Indian side after a 26-month gap. Confirmed by captain Suryakumar Yadav, Kishan is set to bat at No.3, providing stability to the middle order as India prepares for the T20 World Cup. His inclusion reflects the team management’s intent to give him sufficient match practice before the showpiece event.

Opening the innings are expected to be Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, who will also don the gloves as wicketkeeper. Following Kishan at No.3, Suryakumar Yadav will anchor the middle order at No.4, bringing his experience and leadership to the batting lineup. The all-rounders—Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Axar Patel—are likely to occupy key positions from No.5 to No.6, ensuring balance between batting depth and bowling support.

The No.7 spot is earmarked for Rinku Singh, while the No.8 position is crucial for providing a batting cushion. Considering recent performances, Harshit Rana could get the nod here, having played vital knocks in the preceding ODI series against New Zealand, including a 53-run innings in the third ODI at Indore. If not Rana, either Dube or Axar Patel might occupy this spot.

On the bowling front, Jasprit Bumrah makes his return after missing the ODIs against New Zealand. The pace attack is likely to be supported by Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakravarthy, ensuring a potent mix of pace, swing, and spin options for India. This combination aims to counter New Zealand’s batting lineup effectively while providing depth and variety for the T20 World Cup preparation.

The probable Playing XI for India in the 1st T20I against New Zealand is as follows:

Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Harshit Rana/Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy.

While Shreyas Iyer misses out on the playing XI, the return of Ishan Kishan strengthens India’s middle order and brings balance to the batting unit. Fans will also be keen to watch the synergy between all-rounders and the pace-spin combination, which is crucial for India’s T20 World Cup strategy.

With Nagpur hosting the opening clash, all eyes will be on the Men in Blue to execute their plans, gauge form, and finalise combinations for the upcoming T20 World Cup. This series serves as the last preparation platform, where players like Kishan, Rinku Singh, and Harshit Rana have a chance to cement their place in the squad. The match promises exciting cricket, tactical battles, and crucial insights into India’s final World Cup lineup.

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