3 takeaways from India's dominating T20I series win vs New Zealand before T20 World Cup

Takeaways from India's series win [Source: AFP Photo]

As expected, India defeated the New Zealand side in a one-sided series to clinch the trophy, 4-1 and it was the perfect preparation for the defending champions before the T20 World Cup. The hosts won the first three T20Is, but lost the fourth one before bouncing back to clinch the dead rubber game.

The fantastic series win had its ups and downs, as India witnessed some phenomenal performances, but it also had players underperforming despite being given numerous chances. With the T20Is against the Kiwis over, we take a look at the major takeaways from India’s triumph over the visitors.

1) Suryakumar Yadav back in form

Before the T20I series, India’s biggest headache was the form of their skipper, Suryakumar Yadav. The explosive batter had a horror 2025 with the bat as he failed to deliver the goods in almost all the series that he played. Before the T20 World Cup, Indian fans wanted their captain to be back amongst the run-scorers and their wish came true.

He scored 242 runs in five matches with a strike rate of 196.75. Moreover, he was crowned the Player of the Series as SKY ended the tour on a high and heads into the T20 World Cup oozing in confidence.

Alongside Abhishek Sharma, Surya is India’s best T20I batter, and with the marquee tournament starting in six days, India needed him amongst the run-getters, and it is fair to say that SKY is back in form.

2) Samson flops, Kishan seizes opportunity

Shubman Gill was removed from India’s T20 World Cup squad to accommodate Sanju Samson at the top. The management showed trust in him, but he failed to repay them as the opening batter couldn’t do much despite getting five games to perform.

(Samson vs New Zealand)

• Just 46 runs in five matches with an average of 9 sum up Samson’s T20I series performance against the Kiwis. All five matches produced flat wickets, and while others grabbed their chances, the right-handed batter has put his T20 World Cup opening spot in jeopardy.
• In the same series, Ishan Kishan, who was recalled to the team grabbed his chances and was clearly the star for India. In four matches, the southpaw scored 215 runs, with a strike rate of 231, and it also included a stellar century in the fifth game.
• Hence, it looks like Kishan has sealed the opening spot for the T20 World Cup, with Samson finding his way out.

3) Bumrah's aura over?

Before Bumrah sustained a back injury in the BGT 2024-25, the Indian pacer instilled fear in the minds of the batters. However, since his comeback, Bumrah has not been the same bowler. No longer the batters fear him and this is India’s brand new concern heading into the World Cup.

He was taken to the cleaners by the Kiwi batters in the five match series, and the right-arm pacer looked a pale shadow of his former self. He played four matches, and could only pick up 4 wickets.

Earlier, the batters used to play him carefully, but in the recently concluded series, the Black Caps relished taking him on as he conceded runs at 9.47, showcasing his vulnerability before the World Cup. India needs him to be at his best as he still remains the best bowler of the side.