India open their T20I series against New Zealand at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur as the reigning world champions in the format. Their recent record is formidable: unbeaten through the Asia Cup, followed by a 2-1 series win in Australia and a 3-1 home win over South Africa. Playing in familiar conditions adds to the challenge facing the visitors.
Abhishek Sharma is expected to set the tone in the powerplay, having regularly raced to 30 or 40 at strike rates above 200, with Sanju Samson alongside him. Suryakumar Yadav has been short of his best and will want to rediscover form before the World Cup, while Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube and Axar Patel can add quick runs late. The bowling is led by Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, with Kuldeep Yadav, Axar and Varun Chakaravarthy offering spin variety.
New Zealand arrive after a 3-1 home win over the West Indies. Devon Conway and Tim Robinson will open, both having batted well in that series, with Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell in the middle and Michael Bracewell, James Neesham and Mitchell Santner providing late hitting. Jacob Duffy and Kyle Jamieson lead the seam options, and Santner’s spin has caused Indian batters problems before. They will need to be at their best in every department.
