IND vs NZ Playing 11 for 1st T20I: Will India Field Their T20 World Cup Team?

The opening match of the T20I series between India and New Zealand is going to be held at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur on 21 January 2026. Setting up one final showdown in the shortest format before the upcoming ICC event.

The first ball is going to be bowled at 7 PM IST, and it is going to be a thrilling series as the World Cup is on the edge, and both teams will try to give their best. India's two key players, one of the best all-rounders in the world, Hardik Pandya and fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, will be back in action after being rested for the ODI series.

India vs New Zealand T20I Series 2026

The Men in Blue have performed well under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav; however, his own form is the major concern going into a multi nation tournamnet. After Shubman Gill's exclusion from the shortest format squad, Sanju Samson has emerged as the best choice opening batter along with Abhishek Sharma. Indian ODI vice-captain, Shreyas Iyer and leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi returned to the Indian squad after prolong absence as injury replacements of Tilak Varma & Washington Sundar.
The New Zealand team enters this T20I series high on confidence following a historic, first-ever 50-over series victory in India against the reigning T20 World Champions. This tournament will be a perfect occasion for preparation as the T20 World Cup 2026 is set to be played in the Subcontinent (India & Sri Lanka).

Veteran all-rounder Mitchell Santner will be at the helm as the Black Caps look to clinch the T20Is just as they did the ODIs. Keep an eye out for ODI hero, Kristian Clarke; after his standout performance in the 50-over format, the management seems ready to hand the youngster his T20I debut cap.

IND vs NZ Playing 11 for 1st T20I (Probable)

India Playing 11 vs New Zealand features a high-octane opening duo in Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson. Adding further depth at number 3 is Ishan Kishan, the recently crowned Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 winning captain, who returns to the squad in blistering form.

Led by captain Suryakumar Yadav at number four, India’s middle order gains massive depth with Hardik Pandya, Shiva Dube, Axar Patel and Rinku Singh to finish the innings. The bowling department has a huge variety with bowlers like one of the best spinners in the world, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah and Harshit Rana, making a perfect balance for conditions in the VCA stadium, Vidarbha.
On the other hand, New Zealand's playing 11 has some experienced players leading from the front. Devon Conway, coming with the experience of Indian pitches and an amazing spin-playing ability, will pair with Tim Robinson for the explosive opening.

He will be assisted by Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman at the top order. Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, and Glenn Philips further strengthen the middle order with their massive experience. The bowling attack looks top-class as well, with Matt Henry leading the attack.