IND vs NZ: The first game of a three-match T20I series between the Indian Cricket Team and New Zealand will be played on Friday, January 27 in Ranchi.
The last ODI tournament was won by the Men in Blue with a 3-0 result, captained by Rohit Sharma.
Hardik Pandya will captain India in T20Is, despite the fact that selectors have kept out players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli since the 2022 T20 World Cup.
India’s T20I Team Against New Zealand: Hardik Pandya (captain), Suryakumar Yadav (vice-captain), Ishan Kishan (wk), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tripathi, Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik, Shivam Mavi, Prithvi Shaw, Mukesh Kumar
Three Indian cricketers who may not play in the next T20I series against New Zealand:
#1 Jitesh Sharma:
Due to the absence of KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant, India enlisted Jitesh Sharma as a wicketkeeper for the New Zealand T20I series. The Vidarbha wicketkeeper, on the other hand, ought to be second in line to Kishan.
Kishan scored a double-century in an ODI against Bangladesh. He appeared in all 3 matches of the just-finished 50-over series against New Zealand. As a left-hander who can open the innings. He’s almost certainly going to be in the starting XI for the first T20I. And all indicators point to him getting a lot of assistance from the coaching staff.
Jitesh is an energetic batsman who can complete innings. And although India needs someone to fill that position. They may also need someone to contribute to the ball, such as Deepak Hooda. The 29-year-old is an exceptionally gifted cricketer. But he may have to wait a little longer to make his international debut.
#2 Ruturaj Gaikwad:
Ruturaj Gaikwad is out with an illness. With the batsman allegedly complaining of wrist trouble. The injury might hold him out of the New Zealand T20I series, although no official notification has been issued.
Nonetheless, even if Gaikwad had made the roster, he might not have played for India. Right present, Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill appear to be the preferred openers. While Rahul Tripathi shone against Sri Lanka and can bat at the top of the lineup.
Prithvi Shaw is also on the team. His game is clearly better suited to the shorter format than Gaikwad’s. Provided he is judged fit for the mission, the Maharashtra-born player may remain on the bench.
#3 Mukesh Kumar:
Mukesh Kumar initially received a national call-up for India’s one-day international series against South Africa last year. He has remained in and around the white-ball team ever since. He has yet to mark his professional debut. The pace bowler has emerged as a key player in T20 cricket.
Mukesh was signed by the Delhi Capitals for 5.5 crores during the IPL 2023 bidding. He is a member of India’s team for the New Zealand T20Is. Consequently, he is unlikely to participate.
