The Indian team will face New Zealand in the opening of three T20I series on Friday, January 27th in Ranchi. The two teams just finished their three-match One-Day International series, with the Men in Blue winning 3-0.
The side that will take on New Zealand in the T20I series is made up of both young and veteran players. Among the less experienced are Jitesh Sharma, Prithvi Shaw, and Shivam Mavi, for example. They have a terrific opportunity to put their mark on the team as captain Hardik Pandya transitions. The Indian squad has not lost a T20I series under Pandya’s leadership.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s hometown is Ranchi, and the former Indian captain made sure to give some useful insight to the team’s youngsters as they prepare for the first T20I.
Dhoni last appeared with the Indian squad at the T20 World Cup in 2021, where he served as their mentor and was present throughout the tournament. Dhoni paid a visit to the team prior of the first game and spoke with various players.
On the eve of the first T20I, Hardik Pandya told the media that youthful Prithvi Shaw will have to wait his turn, while Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill will open India’s batting. Shaw will want to make the most of his time with the team as he attempts to establish himself in the Indian setup. In the absence of the senior players, the Indian team lead by Hardik Pandya would be aiming to get off to a bright start.
