The T20I fireworks ignited in Nagpur on Wednesday, with New Zealand seizing the early advantage by winning the toss and inserting India to bat in the series opener at VCA Stadium. Captain Mitchell Santner eyed the batting-friendly surface, predicting a run-fest despite visible cracks promising some seam spice.
India responded with a powerhouse lineup, headlined by Ishan Kishan’s comeback after months on the sidelines. The wicketkeeper-batter, dropped following a controversial ODI omission, reunites with Suryakumar Yadav’s dynamic leadership. Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah anchor the middle and death overs, while absences like Shreyas Iyer underscore squad rotation.
Post-toss, Santner was upbeat: ‘High-scoring deck ahead. Last week was special, but this is a new challenge in India. Clarke debuts with our seam trio ready to exploit conditions.’ He acknowledged India’s home strength but relished the World Cup buildup.
Suryakumar, ruing the toss loss, revealed: ‘Wanted to bowl first with dew in practice, but our batting record first up is solid.’ The pitch, scarred with fissures, should offer edges and movement over extravagant turn, and dry conditions limit dew factors.
Following the 2-1 ODI defeat, India craves a T20 clean sweep. New Zealand introduces fresh faces, testing their mettle against Bumrah’s lethal yorkers and Pandya’s all-round prowess.
Full India team: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy.
New Zealand lineup: Tim Robinson, Devon Conway (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (c), Kristian Clarke, Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy.
Buckle up—Nagpur’s night could redefine series momentum, with Kishan’s blade poised to silence doubters.