IND vs NZ 1st T20I Predicted Playing XI: Discover the probable starting lineups for India and New Zealand. Get the latest team news and squad analysis for the Nagpur clash here.
IND vs NZ 1st T20I
| India (Predicted XI) | New Zealand (Predicted XI) |
| 1. Abhishek Sharma | 1. Devon Conway (wk) |
| 2. Sanju Samson (wk) | 2. Tim Robinson |
| 3. Suryakumar Yadav (c) | 3. Rachin Ravindra |
| 4. Shreyas Iyer / Ishan Kishan | 4. Daryl Mitchell |
| 5. Hardik Pandya | 5. Glenn Phillips |
| 6. Rinku Singh | 6. Mark Chapman |
| 7. Axar Patel | 7. Mitchell Santner (c) |
| 8. Varun Chakravarthy | 8. Jimmy Neesham |
| 9. Arshdeep Singh | 9. Kyle Jamieson |
| 10. Jasprit Bumrah | 10. Matt Henry |
| 11. Harshit Rana | 11. Ish Sodhi / Jacob Duffy |
Match: India vs New Zealand, 1st T20I
Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM IST
Venue: Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) Stadium, Nagpur
The Road to the T20 World Cup Begins
The transition from ODIs to the shortest format marks a critical phase for the Indian cricket team as they host New Zealand in the first T20I of the five-match series. With the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 just around the corner, this series is more than just a bilateral contest; it is a final dress rehearsal for both nations to fine-tune their squads.
The “Men in Blue,” led by the dynamic Suryakumar Yadav, are looking to bounce back after a mixed bag of results in the recent ODI leg. On the other hand, New Zealand, known for their tactical discipline and adaptability, will aim to spoil India’s party at home. The action kicks off at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur, a venue known for testing the temperament of batsmen and the skill of spinners.
Pitch Report: VCA Stadium, Nagpur
The 22-yard strip at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium is traditionally not a high-scoring paradise. Unlike the flat decks seen in Mumbai or Bangalore, Nagpur offers a “slow and low” surface that brings spinners into the game early.
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Spin to Win: Historically, spinners have taken the bulk of the wickets here. The large boundaries (straight boundaries are around 80 yards) encourage bowlers to toss the ball up, inviting batters to take risks.
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The Dew Factor: Since this is a night match starting at 7:00 PM IST, dew is expected to play a massive role in the second innings. The team winning the toss is highly likely to bowl first to avoid gripping a wet ball while defending a total.
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Average Score: A first-innings score of 160-170 is considered competitive. anything above 180 would be a match-winning total.
Team News & Injury Updates
Team India
India has been dealt a blow right before the series opener. The in-form Tilak Varma has been ruled out of the first three T20Is due to a medical procedure. In his absence, Shreyas Iyer has been recalled to the squad and is expected to slot directly into the middle order.
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Key Returns: The biggest boost for India is the return of Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah, who were rested during parts of the ODI series. Their presence adds immense balance and experience to the side.
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Spin Department: With Washington Sundar ruled out due to a side strain, leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi returns to the mix and might partner with Axar Patel or Varun Chakravarthy.
Team New Zealand
New Zealand arrives with a squad full of utility players. Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra will be crucial at the top of the order, given their ability to play spin well. The Kiwis will rely heavily on Mitchell Santner to exploit the Nagpur conditions. The fitness of Michael Bracewell remains a talking point, but if fit, he adds depth to both batting and bowling.
Key Battles to Watch
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Suryakumar Yadav vs Mitchell Santner: The battle between the world’s best T20 batter and the clever left-arm spin of Santner will likely define the middle overs. Santner’s ability to vary his pace could trouble SKY on a sluggish Nagpur track.
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Arshdeep Singh vs Devon Conway: Arshdeep’s ability to swing the new ball into the left-hander makes this an exciting contest. If Conway survives the powerplay, he can anchor the innings deep.
India vs New Zealand 1st T20I Predicted Playing XI: Who Will Start?
Playing at home, India starts as the clear favorite. The return of Bumrah and Hardik Pandya gives them a significant edge in both bowling depth and finishing power. However, the toss will be crucial. If New Zealand bowls first and restricts India to under 160, the dew could help them chase it down.
Prediction: India to win the 1st T20I, but expect a close contest if the Kiwis bat second.
The 1st T20I in Nagpur promises to be a tactical battle rather than a mere run-fest. For Sportzons.com readers, keeping an eye on the toss at 6:30 PM IST will be vital for fantasy teams. Will Suryakumar Yadav start the series with a bang, or will the Kiwis spin a web around the Indian batters? We will find out on Wednesday night.
Top Fantasy Picks (Must Haves):
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Suryakumar Yadav (IND): The World No. 1 T20 batter loves playing on home soil. He is a safe captaincy choice for Small Leagues.
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Mitchell Santner (NZ): With Nagpur offering turn and bounce, the Kiwi skipper will be a threat with the ball and can contribute valuable runs down the order.
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Hardik Pandya (IND): Returning fresh, Hardik is expected to bowl at least 3 overs and bat at No. 5. His all-round value is undeniable.
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Devon Conway (NZ): He is the most consistent New Zealand batter against spin and will be crucial in neutralizing India’s attack.
Differential Picks (High Risk, High Reward):
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Varun Chakravarthy / Ravi Bishnoi: If India plays a third spinner, pick him immediately. The large boundaries in Nagpur favor mystery spinners.
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Glenn Phillips: Known for his athleticism and explosive hitting, he can change the game in 10 balls.
Suggested Dream11 Team for Small Leagues:
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Wicketkeepers: Devon Conway (VC), Sanju Samson
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Batters: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Shreyas Iyer, Daryl Mitchell, Rinku Singh
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All-Rounders: Hardik Pandya, Mitchell Santner, Axar Patel
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Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh
India vs New Zealand: T20I Head-to-Head Records
India has historically dominated New Zealand in home conditions, but the Black Caps are known for pushing India to the limit.
| Stat | Record |
| Total Matches Played | 28 |
| India Won | 15 |
| New Zealand Won | 11 |
| Tied / No Result | 2 |
| Last 5 Matches | India led 3-2 |
Trivia: The last time these two teams met in a T20I series in India, the series went down to a decider which India won comfortably.
Nagpur Weather Report
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Condition: Clear skies with no chance of rain.
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Temperature: 22°C dropping to 18°C by the end of the match.
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Humidity: 45-55% (Dew is expected after 8:30 PM IST).
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Wind Speed: 8 km/h.
Impact: The cooler temperature is pleasant for players, but the dew factor will severely handicap the bowlers in the second innings. Win Toss, Bowl First is the gold standard here.
Live Streaming & Broadcast Details
Don’t miss a single ball of the action! Here is where you can watch the match live:
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TV Channels (India): Sports18 Network (SD & HD)
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Live Streaming App: JioCinema (Free for all users)
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Time: Coverage starts at 6:00 PM IST; Match starts at 7:00 PM IST.
FAQs: IND vs NZ 1st T20I
Q1: Is Tilak Varma playing in the 1st T20I?
Ans: No, Tilak Varma has been ruled out of the first three T20Is due to a medical procedure. Shreyas Iyer has replaced him in the squad.
Q2: Who is the captain of India for this series?
Ans: Suryakumar Yadav is leading the Indian T20I side.
Q3: What is the average 1st innings score in Nagpur T20Is?
Ans: The average first innings score at VCA Stadium, Nagpur is around 168 runs.
Q4: Is Shubman Gill playing in this series?
Ans: No, Shubman Gill has been omitted from this T20I series to manage his workload for the upcoming Test season.
India vs New Zealand 1st T20I Predicted Playing XI: Who Will Start?
