After an enthralling performance in the ODI series, India will take on New Zealand in the three-match T20I series. The series is slated to take place from 27th January in Ranchi followed by the second and third games to be played on 29th January and 1st February respectively in Lucknow and Ahmedabad.
Predicting India Playing 11 for the first T20I against New Zealand
Ruturaj Gaikwad is reportedly to be out of the series due to injury. Therefore Shubman Gill and Prithvi Shaw will fight for the opening spot. But with Gill slated to play Tests against Australia, the Mumbai batter will likely open. Shaw notably has made a comeback into the side and therefore it is expected that he will walk straight into the playing XI. The right-hander is expected to open innings alongside Ishan Kishan, who will also handle wicket-keeping duties.
Rahul Tripathi did a staggering job in the series against Sri Lanka and he will likely get a longer rope in the team. Suryakumar Yadav is no doubt to bat at No.4. The duo has been staggering with the bat of late and is expected to play a crucial role for their team.
India number 1 ODI team
India number 1 T20I team
Suryakumar number 1 T20 batter
Siraj number 1 ODI bowler
Jadeja number 1 Test all-rounder— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 25, 2023
Skipper Hardik Pandya will bat at No.5 and is expected to play a crucial role with the ball as well whereas Deepak Hooda is expected to bat at No.6 for the T20I series against New Zealand. Washington Sundar is likely to get all the games as Axar Patel is unavailable for the series. Sundar arguably played all three games in the ODI series.
Shivam Mavi is also likely to retain his place in the team after his heroics in the Sri Lanka series. Kuldeep Yadav has also been recalled in the Indian side after a while and it’s fair to say that he will play ahead of Yuzvendra Chahal. The duo of Umran Malik and Arshdeep Singh is likely to form the pace battery.
Predicted India Playing 11 for the first T20I against New Zealand
Prithvi Shaw
Ishan Kishan (Wk)
Rahul Tripathi
Suryakumar Yadav
Hardik Pandya
Deepak Hooda
Washington Sundar
Shivam Mavi
Kuldeep Yadav
Umran Malik
Arshdeep Singh
