Aakash Chopra picks India's playing XI for NZ vs IND 2026 1st T20I; surprisingly excludes star spinners
- India will begin their five-match T20I series against New Zealand in Christchurch, where seam movement and extra bounce are expected.
- Shreyas Iyer said Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma will remain India’s opening pair, leaving 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi waiting for an opportunity.
- Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya are unavailable for the T20I series, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar is expected to return after nearly four years.
43 Articles
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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