Aakash Chopra picks India's playing XI for NZ vs IND 2026 1st T20I; surprisingly excludes star spinners
- On Thursday, the India squad led by captain Shreyas Iyer begins a five-match T20 series against New Zealand in Christchurch, as the two nations celebrate 100 years of sporting ties.
- Only four Indian players have previously played T20Is in New Zealand, forcing the squad to adapt to nippy, seaming conditions while Iyer admitted the bowling unit needs fixing.
- India enters the series without injured all-rounder Hardik Pandya and pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who will only play ODIs and Tests, though talents like Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson bolster the batting.
- New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner plans to challenge India by varying pitch conditions, stating, "Both teams are going to have to adapt quickly to the conditions and then play accordingly."
- This series serves as a crucial test for Iyer, who is expected to lead India in the T20 World Cup to be held in Australia and New Zealand in two years.
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20 Articles
Jet-lagged India eye strong start against New Zealand in 1st T20
Shreyas Iyer-led India, unbeaten in their last two T20 series in New Zealand, will rely on their formidable batting lineup to overcome the relatively inexperienced New Zealand side in the upcoming five-match T20I series, despite having minimal time to acclimatise.
India vs New Zealand 1st T20I: Shreyas Iyer and Co. face tough test in pace-friendly conditions
India’s batting depth will be tested by New Zealand’s varied pace attack, with Iyer under pressure to deliver in a challenging away assignment. Injuries to Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah leave questions over India’s bowling balance.
Shreyas Iyer Faces Big Test As India Begin Tough New Zealand Challenge
Unbeaten in their last two T20 series, the Shreyas Iyer-led India would rely heavily on their batting firepower to outwit New Zealand even though the relatively inexperienced tourists have got barely two days to rest, acclimatise and train for the five-match rubber beginning on Thursday.
The Shreyas Iyer brigade will face a tough test in the New Zealand T20 series. Under Iyer's captaincy, India drew the T20 series against the West Indies 2-2. The Indian team's performance in that series was not as good.
India Likely Playing XI for 1st T20I 2026 vs New Zealand: Check Predicted 11 | 🏏 LatestLY
Ahead of the 1st T20I between India and New Zealand on October 22, 2026, at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, check out India's predicted playing XI under Captain Shreyas Iyer. The article covers match details, start times (8:00 PM NZT / 12:30 PM IST), venue, and where to watch the thrilling series opener in this crucial white-ball encounter. 🏏 India Likely Playing XI for 1st T20I 2026 vs New Zealand: Check Predicted 11.
'I can bat at any number, everyone has to be flexible': Skipper Iyer ahead of first New Zealand T20I
The five-match T20I series between world champions India and New Zealand will start on Thursday with the first T20I at Christchurch. This series will be a crucial one for Shreyas as a captain and a batter, with the Punjab Kings (PBKS) skipper struggling to be at his best in both departments.
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