Aakash Chopra picks India's playing XI for NZ vs IND 2026 1st T20I; surprisingly excludes star spinners
Chopra backed a pace-heavy XI for the opener, leaving India’s two frontline spinners out as Christchurch conditions were expected to aid seamers.
- On Thursday, October 22, 2026, India captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to bowl first against New Zealand in the opening T20 International at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
- Following a 2-2 home draw against the West Indies, India enters the series holding a commanding 19-11 head-to-head advantage in T20Is, though New Zealand aims to exploit pace-friendly home conditions.
- Veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar returns to India's lineup after nearly four years, while captain Iyer confirmed the opening pair of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma remains unchanged despite young prospect Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's absence.
- New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner expects varied pitch conditions throughout the series, stating, "If there is something in the pitch for the seamers to start, it's obviously nice," and emphasizing the need for quick adaptation.
- Marking 100 years of sporting ties, both nations will continue this tour with a five-match ODI series and two Tests following the T20Is, highlighting the long-standing cricket relationship between India and New Zealand.
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43 Articles
IND vs NZ 1st T20I LIVE Score: India win the toss in Christchurch, opt to bowl first
India begin their five-match T20I series against New Zealand in Christchurch on October 22, aiming to overcome travel fatigue and the absence of Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya. Shreyas Iyer's side will also look to address middle-order inconsistency. Check live updates.
India vs New Zealand 1st T20I Playing 11: Samson-Abhishek to open, Bhuvneshwar set for return
India (IND) vs New Zealand (NZ) 1st T20I Playing 11 Today Match, Team Prediction, Full Squad, Players List: Captain Iyer has made it clear that the opening combination remains untouched, meaning Vaibhav Sooryavanshi may have to wait longer for a look-in.
NZ vs IND, 1st T20I preview: Sleep-deprived India face chilly Christchurch test
NZ vs IND, 1st T20I preview, and team news: India arrive in Christchurch short on sleep and preparation time after a hectic run of T20Is. Shreyas Iyer's men must quickly adapt to chilly, windy conditions against a New Zealand side.
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