IND vs NZ: India's strongest playing 11 for T20I series ft. Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya

The IND vs NZ T20I series consists of five games.

After a disappointing ODI series, India will face New Zealand (IND vs NZ) in a five-match T20I series. With the focus on finalising combinations and strengthening squad depth, the series is expected to offer clear indications of India’s preferred playing XI for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026.

Facing a well-balanced New Zealand side, India will look to strike the right balance in the batting and bowling departments. This series is also significant in the context of long-term planning, making selection decisions closely watched by fans and selectors alike.

Following Shubman Gill’s exclusion from the T20I squad and Tilak Varma’s absence in the first three games, the Men in Blue will need to make necessary changes in their playing XI. On that note, let’s take a look at India’s strongest possible playing XI for the T20I series against New Zealand.

1. Sanju Samson (WK)

Sanju Samson remains an excellent choice of opener for the Indian team against New Zealand. As a wicket-keeper batsman, Sanju provides flexibility to the playing combination, and he also boasts a good strike rate with the bat.

The past performances of Sanju have clearly depicted that he can handle the spin bowling attack, which is an added advantage for the hosts against the Black Caps. Sanju has been performing phenomenally well with his batting exploits under pressure during recent T20 matches. 

2. Abhishek Sharma

Abhishek Sharma is known for his aggressive style of play and has been known to target fast bowlers, making the most of the field restrictions.

The left-handed batsman has the potential to get the ball over the infield and get India off to a positive start. He has been quite impressive in the T20Is with his high strikes. The left-handed batsman has been equally powerful against both fast and spin bowlers.

3. Ishan Kishan

With his incredible performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025, Ishan Kishan has earned a comeback to the T20I team in the series against New Zealand.

In Tilak Varma’s absence, he will provide strength to India’s middle-order. Moreover, being a left-handed batter, he is a like-for-like replacement for Varma. With his ability to clear boundaries with ease, Kishan will add firepower in the middle-overs.

4. Suryakumar Yadav (C)

Suryakumar Yadav continues to be India’s go-to batter in T20Is, leading from the front with skill and composure. As captain, he brings vast international experience and a deep understanding of modern T20 demands.

Known for his ability to control the middle overs and explode in the death phase, Surya adapts seamlessly to match situations. His 360-degree stroke play and composure under pressure make him an indispensable presence in India’s top order. 

5. Hardik Pandya 

Hardik Pandya is one of the most valuable assets India have in their T20I squad due to his excellence as an all-rounder. His power-hitting skills in the death overs, along with his intelligent seam bowling, are a great asset to the team.

Pandya always performs well in high-pressure matches, especially those that go down to the wire. His experience will help India turn things in their favour in this series.

6. Rinku Singh

Rinku Singh has proven himself as a finisher in high-pressure situations. He has a composed personality, clean strokes, and the ability to identify which bowlers he needs to target. This makes him a perfect fit in the middle order position in the sixth slot.

In this series, where match-winning margins are critical due to the minor differences, Rinku’s calm head and ability to win games will be useful for India in capturing crucial runs in the death overs.  

7. Axar Patel 

Axar Patel’s value in T20Is lies in his consistency and versatility. As vice captain, he offers leadership along with control in the middle overs through his dominating left-arm spin. His ability to hold runs and break partnerships is crucial against New Zealand’s middle order.

Furthermore, Axar’s aggressive batting style in the lower order adds depth to the team, allowing India to extend their innings and maintain balance in challenging matches.

8. Arshdeep Singh

Arshdeep Singh adds depth to the Indian bowling lineup with the addition of a left-arm pacer who has the potential to provide swing to the ball naturally.

Facing New Zealand’s dangerous top order, Arshdeep’s ability to swing the ball and his composure in high-pressure situations make him a crucial option in India’s ideal playing XI.

9. Varun Chakravarthy

Varun Chakravarthy bowls fast through the air, changes his pace smartly, and makes it difficult for batters to read him. On slower pitches, he often forces mistimed shots and creates pressure in the middle overs.

Against New Zealand, Varun can break partnerships and slow the game down. His calm approach and experience in pressure T20 matches make him a reliable and effective option in India’s XI. 

10. Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah has been the most dependable bowler for the Indian team in high-pressure situations. None can match the composure and control he has with the ball in the last overs of a match.

Having the experienced Bumrah open the bowling against New Zealand’s strong batting lineup would be a wise move by the Indian team management.

11. Ravi Bishnoi

Ravi Bishnoi was brought in as a replacement for injured Washington Sundar. The young leg-spinner is known for his clever variations, tight line, and ability to pick wickets at crucial moments.

Against the Kiwis, Bishnoi can break partnerships and put pressure on set batters, making him a key part of India’s T20 bowling attack and an ideal pick for a balanced XI. 

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