After annihilating New Zealand in the ODI series, India will welcome the Kiwis in a three-match T20I series beginning on January 27 at Ranchi’s JSCA International Stadium Complex. The team management has once again supported their notion of fielding a youthful side, therefore players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been rested for the series.
Prithvi Shaw, on the other hand, will be making his comeback to the Indian squad after some outstanding performances on the local circuit. He has been waiting in the wings for quite some time and will finally wear the national jersey, but his spot in the starting XI is not certain. Meanwhile, it will be another test for Hardik Pandya, the Indian T20I skipper who has yet to lose a series.
The following is India’s probable XI for the first T20I against New Zealand.
Shubman Gill and Prithvi Shaw open the innings
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Shubman Gill and Prithvi Shaw are poised to open for the first time in international cricket. Their previous performances in U19 cricket were impressive, and they are expected to replicate that success at the senior level. Both players are currently in top form; Gill recently hit a double century and a century against New Zealand in the ODI series, earning him the Player of the Series award and solidifying his spot in the ODI World Cup squad.
Shaw, meanwhile, has been on a tear in the ongoing Ranji Trophy, with 595 runs from six matches. His powerful batting has earned him a return to the national team, and he’ll look to continue his hot streak in order to secure a place in the T20I side.
Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav strengthen the middle order
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With Prithvi Shaw in the team, Ishan Kishan may be moved to the number three spot but will still be expected to play an aggressive game. Kishan’s recent form in the ODI series is a concern, but he will be looking to make a comeback in the T20I series to prove his worth in white-ball cricket.
Suryakumar Yadav, the current number one T20I batter, struggled in the recent ODI series against New Zealand, but he will not be deterred and will aim to reassert himself in the shortest format of the game.
Deepak Hooda, Washington Sundar, and Hardik Pandya form the all-rounders
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Deepak Hooda has not been performing at his best recently, as evidenced by his poor showing in the T20I series against Sri Lanka. He will be looking to return to form, as his previous 18 T20I matches have yielded 356 runs at a strike rate of 149.57. He is also capable of picking up crucial wickets in the middle overs, but has not been given many opportunities to do so by the team management.
Hardik Pandya, on the other hand, was outstanding in the third ODI against New Zealand, scoring 54 off 38 deliveries and helping India reach a strong total. He is particularly dangerous with the ball in T20 matches, making him a valuable asset to the team going forward. He will be striving to secure another win and solidify his position as India’s next T20 captain.
Washington Sundar, meanwhile, picked up two wickets in the ODI series, but has only scored 21 runs. He has a lot of room for improvement, and the T20I series is crucial for him to prove himself, particularly in the absence of Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. He will be eager to meet expectations.
Umran Malik, Kuldeep Yadav, Shivam Mavi and Arshdeep Singh form the bowling attack
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The Indian pace attack boasts a formidable lineup with Shivam Mavi, Umran Malik, and Arshdeep Singh each bringing unique strengths. Mavi excels with the new ball, Malik with raw pace, and Arshdeep in the death overs. The trio provides a well-rounded attack for the team. Additionally, left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav is favored to start in the first T20I over Yuzvendra Chahal, following his impressive performance in the final ODI match where he took three wickets. The team management will likely continue to rely on his strong form in the shorter format.
