India vs New Zealand 1st T20I Playing 11 Live Prediction
As the final frontier of preparation before the T20 World Cup title defence, the India vs New Zealand five-match T20I series carries immense significance. The India vs New Zealand 1st T20I Playing 11 will set the tone for this high-stakes contest. Coming off a 2-1 defeat in the ODI series, the Indian team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, will be eager to redeem themselves and fine-tune their combinations.
For New Zealand, under Mitchell Santner, this is a golden opportunity to challenge the world champions in their own backyard and build momentum. All eyes will be on Nagpur’s Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium as the two cricketing giants clash on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.
Table of Contents:
Match Details: Date, Time & Venue
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | India vs New Zealand, 1st T20I |
| Series | New Zealand Tour of India, 2026 |
| Date | January 21, 2026 (Wednesday) |
| Start Time | 7:00 PM IST |
| Venue | Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur |
Full Squad Analysis: India & New Zealand
India’s T20I Squad Breakdown
Suryakumar Yadav (Captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Shreyas Iyer (first three T20Is), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (Vice-Captain), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ishan Kishan (WK), Ravi Bishnoi.
Key Points:
- The squad blends experienced World Cup winners with dynamic new talent.
- Shreyas Iyer’s inclusion for the first three games is a tactical cover for the injured Tilak Varma.
- The selection highlights a focus on power-hitting all-rounders and versatile spin options.
New Zealand’s T20I Squad Breakdown
Mitchell Santner (Captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway (WK), Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Ish Sodhi, Kristian Clarke.
Key Points:
- A mix of seasoned campaigners familiar with Indian conditions and exciting fresh faces.
- The absence of Kane Williamson and Trent Boult provides opportunities for others to step up.
- The squad is rich in all-round capabilities, offering balance and flexibility.
Number 1 ODI Batsman Virat Kohli
Predicted Playing XI: IND vs NZ
The composition of the India vs New Zealand 1st T20I Playing 11 is the subject of much speculation and strategic planning.
India’s Likely Line-up & Strategy –
Based on team announcements and recent form, India is likely to field the following Playing 11:
- Sanju Samson (WK): Expected to open, providing firepower at the top.
- Abhishek Sharma: The aggressive left-hander to partner Samson.
- Ishan Kishan: Confirmed to bat at No. 3, adding left-right combination stability.
- Suryakumar Yadav (C): The skipper will anchor the middle order, seeking a return to his destructive best.
- Hardik Pandya: The premier all-rounder, crucial for balance in both departments.
- Rinku Singh: The designated finisher, known for his calm under pressure.
- Shivam Dube: The power-hitting all-rounder, a potential match-up weapon against spin.
- Axar Patel (VC): The lead spinner and a capable lower-order hitter.
- Jasprit Bumrah: The pace spearhead, returning to T20Is with a point to prove.
- Arshdeep Singh: The left-arm swing and death bowling specialist.
- Varun Chakaravarthy: The mystery spinner, likely preferred over Kuldeep Yadav for variety.
Strategy: India looks set to play only two specialist pacers (Bumrah, Arshdeep) with Hardik as the third seam option. The spin department will be led by Axar and Chakaravarthy, with part-time options in Abhishek and Dube. This India vs New Zealand 1st T20I Playing 11 emphasizes batting depth and bowling versatility.
New Zealand’s Likely Line-up & Strategy –
New Zealand’s predicted Playing 11 could be:
- Finn Allen: The explosive right-hander at the top.
- Devon Conway (WK): The technically sound anchor.
- Glenn Phillips: The dynamic and aggressive number 3.
- Daryl Mitchell: The proven performer in Indian conditions.
- Mark Chapman: The reliable left-handed middle-order batter.
- Mitchell Santner (C): The captain and primary all-rounder.
- Rachin Ravindra: The spin-bowling all-rounder.
- James Neesham: The experienced finisher and seam bowler.
- Lockie Ferguson: The express pace option.
- Matt Henry: The skilled swing and seam bowler.
- Ish Sodhi: The frontline leg-spinner.
Strategy: New Zealand will rely on a strong top order to set a platform. Their strength lies in multiple all-round options (Santner, Ravindra, Neesham) providing depth. The pace attack of Ferguson and Henry, supported by Sodhi’s wrist spin, will aim to exploit any early conditions.
Head-to-Head Record & Series Context:
The historical T20I record between these sides is closely contested, adding spice to the encounter.
| Matches Played | India Won | New Zealand Won | Tied/NR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | 15 | 10 | 0 |
Context: While India leads the head-to-head, New Zealand has always been a formidable opponent in ICC events. This series serves as critical preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup, making every combination and performance under the microscope.
Key Players to Watch:
- Suryakumar Yadav (India): The captain’s form is paramount. A return to his 360-degree best will boost India’s confidence immensely.
- Jasprit Bumrah (India): His spells in the powerplay and death will be key to restricting a strong Kiwi batting line-up.
- Rachin Ravindra (NZ): His evolution as a T20 all-rounder makes him a vital cog. His left-arm spin and aggressive batting could be game-changers.
- Lockie Ferguson (NZ): His raw pace can disrupt the rhythm of Indian batters, especially in the middle overs.
Injured Tilak Varma Replacement: Who Get a Chance?
Pitch Report & Weather Forecast, Nagpur:
The pitch at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur has traditionally been good for batting with some assistance for spinners as the game progresses. A high-scoring contest is on the cards.
Weather Forecast: Clear skies are expected for the evening with pleasant temperatures, ensuring an uninterrupted game.
Live Streaming & Telecast Details:
- TV Telecast: The India vs New Zealand 1st T20I will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network in India.
- Live Streaming: The match will be streamed live and for free on the JioCinema app and website in India.
- Global Viewers: Viewers can check their local broadcasters like Sky Sport NZ, Willow TV, etc.
Complete T20I Series Schedule:
| Match | Date (Day) | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | Jan 21 (Wed) | Nagpur | 7 PM |
| 2nd T20I | Jan 23 (Fri) | Raipur | 7 PM |
| 3rd T20I | Jan 25 (Sun) | Guwahati | 7 PM |
| 4th T20I | Jan 28 (Wed) | Visakhapatnam | 7 PM |
| 5th T20I | Jan 31 (Sat) | Thiruvananthapuram | 7 PM |
Tactical Comparison & Match-Ups:
- India’s Powerplay Batting vs NZ’s New Ball Attack: How Allen and Conway handle Bumrah & Arshdeep will be fascinating.
- Spin Middle Overs: Axar/Chakaravarthy vs Santner/Sodhi. Which spin duo will be more economical and wicket-taking?
- The Finishers’ Duel: Rinku Singh & Hardik Pandya vs James Neesham & Mitchell Santner. The last 5 overs could decide the match.
Injury Updates & Team News:
- India: Tilak Varma is ruled out of the first three T20Is after abdominal surgery. Shreyas Iyer is his replacement.
- New Zealand: The squad is at full strength from their selected contingent, with no last-minute injury concerns reported.
FAQ: India vs New Zealand 1st T20I
Q1. What time does the IND vs NZ 1st T20I start?
A1. The match starts at 7:00 PM IST on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.
Q2. Where can I watch the live streaming of the match in India?
A2. You can watch the free live streaming on the JioCinema app and website. Telecast is available on Star Sports channels.
Q3. Who is confirmed in the India vs New Zealand 1st T20I Playing 11?
A3. Captain Suryakumar Yadav has confirmed Ishan Kishan will bat at No. 3. Shreyas Iyer is likely to sit out, and Varun Chakaravarthy is favored over Kuldeep Yadav as the specialist spinner.
Q4. What is the head-to-head record in T20Is between IND and NZ?
A4. In 25 T20Is, India has won 15 and New Zealand has won 10.
Q5. Who is the captain for both teams?
A5. India is captained by Suryakumar Yadav, while New Zealand is led by Mitchell Santner for this series.
Conclusion: What to Expect?
The stage is perfectly set for a thrilling opener. The India vs New Zealand 1st T20I Playing 11 reveals two teams focusing on depth and match-ups. India, with a point to prove after the ODI loss, will rely on their explosive batting line-up and the returning Jasprit Bumrah.
New Zealand, always a tough competitor in white-ball cricket, will bank on their collective team strength and adaptability. With World Cup preparations at their core, this match promises high-quality cricket, strategic battles, and a potential run-fest under the Nagpur lights. Expect a fiercely contested match where the team winning the key moments will emerge victorious.
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