IND vs NZ: 3 reasons why Ravi Bishnoi should play in T20I series

The IND vs NZ T20I series will start on January 21 with the first game in Nagpur.

After a disappointing ODI series, India will face New Zealand (IND vs NZ) in a five-match T20I series. Both sides will leave no stone unturned to outplay each other in the campaign, which will be a platform to prepare for the T20 World Cup 2026.

Spinner Ravi Bishnoi has made a comeback to the Indian team in this T20I series. The right-arm spinner last played in the T20I series against England in January-February 2025, where he took five wickets in five matches, including a three-wicket haul.

Bishnoi has been added to the squad as a replacement for Washington Sundar, who has been ruled out of the campaign due to a rib injury. With his ability to trouble batters with quick leg breaks and googlies, Bishnoi will be a valuable addition to India’s playing XI.

On that note, let’s take a look at the three reasons why Ravi Bishnoi should play in the T20I series against New Zealand.

4. Surprise bowler for New Zealand

Ravi Bishnoi has played 43 international games in his career (1 ODI and 42 T20Is). However, he has never played against New Zealand. Therefore, his inclusion in the T20I series could give India a tactical advantage, as the Kiwi batters will be unfamiliar with his bowling skills.

3. Marvellous economy in T20Is

Bishnoi made his T20I debut in 2022 and has played 42 games so far. He owns a stunning economy rate of 7.35 after bowling more than 160 overs. His ability to stop runs will be very crucial against the Black Caps, who dominated India with their batting in the recently concluded ODI series.

2. Testing back-up spinner for Washington Sundar in ICC T20 WC

Washington Sundar sustained an injury in the first ODI game against New Zealand and was ruled out of both ODI and T20I campaigns. He is recovering from a rib injury and looking forward to playing directly in ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

Therefore, it will be crucial to play Bishnoi in the India vs New Zealand T20I series, because if Sundar doesn’t recover in time, he might have to replace Sundar in the World Cup squad.

Moreover, if Sundar’s injury resurfaces in the T20 World Cup, Bishnoi should be prepared to replace him. Hence, he needs to get opportunities against the Black Caps.

1. Kuldeep Yadav’s recent poor show

India suffered a humiliating ODI series defeat against New Zealand, where Indian spinners largely failed to dominate the opposition batters in the middle overs. Kuldeep Yadav was also part of India’s spin attack.

However, the left-arm spinner emerged too expensive across three games. He took only three wickets, one in each game. Therefore, Bishnoi deserves preference over Yadav in the IND vs NZ T20I series, where he can showcase his value in the spin department.

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