New Zealand Playing XI vs India, 1st T20I, 2026- Biggest enemy in, 4th highest wicket-taker out

New Zealand probable XI Vs India [Source: X]

After conquering the ODI series in stunning fashion, the New Zealand side embarks on a new journey as the Black Caps will take on India in five T20I matches, with the first game taking place on Wednesday. New Zealand will be confident heading into the T20Is and the series provides them with a great chance to test their squad before the T20 World Cup.

The Kiwis have included a plethora of all-rounders in the squad, and they have plenty of spinners to choose from as the side aims to win the T20Is after dominating India in the ODI format. With a riveting T20I match set to go underway on Wednesday, here is New Zealand's probable XI against India.

Top order: Tim Robinson, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra

There is no denying that New Zealand has the most underrated batting lineup in world cricket, and it starts with two dynamic openers - Tim Robinson and Devon Conway. The duo was superb for the Kiwis in 2025 and will form a deadly partnership as the visitors will hope for an aggressive start from the two players.

The rise of Rachin Ravindra in T20Is

Initially, Rachin Ravindra was used as an opener by the Kiwis, but he only had a strike rate of 118 after nine matches. However, the real domination started when he was demoted to number 3. Ravindra has found his best place in T20Is at that position and the numbers tell the story.

(Ravindra at number 3 in T20Is)

• For the Kiwis at number 3, Ravindra has racked up 325 runs, with a strike rate of 143.81, and has finally found his best place to bat in the format. At 3, usually the platform is already laid for Ravindra, and from there on, the batter tends to exploit the bowlers.
• Indian condition demands batters to be at their best against the spinners, and Ravindra is one of the best spin-hitters in the Kiwi lineup.

Middle-order: Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips

• Four all-rounders and four quality players in the middle-order define New Zealand’s prowess in T20Is. In Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, and Michael Bracewell, the Kiwis have a fearsome middle-order, and they can take down any attack with ease.
• Unlike the top three, the batting positions of the middle-order players won’t be defined as the Kiwis believe in flexibility and the players can be used according to the match situation. Moreover, their availability also provides the visitors with an abundance of bowling options.

Bowlers: Mitch Santner, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, Kyle Jamieson

• In Mitch Santner, New Zealand arguably has the best street-smart cricketer of all-time, and time and again, the all-rounder has troubled the Indian batters. In Indian conditions, he has picked up 17 wickets in 14 matches, and the all-rounder has been India's biggest enemy in recent times as time and again he has proven to be New Zealand's biggest match-winner against India.
• The side also has the former world number one T20I bowler and current number 3 (Jacob Duffy). He was signed by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the IPL 2026 season and the pacer will be eager to impress his new side.
• There is also Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson in the ranks and the two of them will be the second and the third pacer as the Kiwis have pne of the best pace attacks in the world.

Why no Ish Sodhi in playing XI

The spinner has a strong record against India and the Asian side has found difficult to play against the leg-spinner. In fact, Sodhi is the fourth-highest wicket-taker in T20Is, but the team combination won't allow him to play the first game.

(Ish Sodhi vs India)

• Despite boasting a strong record against India, Sodhi might have to warm the bench for the first T20I, as the side already has Mitch Santner, and the likes of Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, and Mark Chapman, and Rachin Ravindra can also chip in with spin bowling if needed.

New Zealand Predicted Playing XI for India, 1st T2OI

Tim Robinson, Devon Conway (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, Mitch Santner (c), Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, Kyle Jamieson