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India's predicted playing XI - (Source: AFP)
On Thursday, October 22, India will square off against New Zealand for the 1st of five-match T20I series. The two teams will lock horns at the Hagley Oval. The Men in Blue have named a strong squad as they return to the Oceanic country after 2022.
Ahead of the series opener, the fans are excited about how India will go with their playing XI and adjust to the conditions in New Zealand. Therefore, this article will shed light on India’s Predicted Playing XI vs New Zealand – 1st T20I, 2026.
Openers and top order: Sanju Samson(w), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan
At the top, India will go ahead with their experienced stars. Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma will open the innings as they are fresh off a brilliant series against West Indies. Samson scored 168 runs in 5 innings, averaging 33.60.
Meanwhile, Abhishek Sharma scored 145 runs in 5 innings, averaging 29.00. Ishan Kishan will bat at No.3. He scored 153 runs in 5 innings against West Indies, which includes four 30+ scores.
Middle order and all-rounders: Shreyas Iyer(c), Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube
In the middle order, Shreyas Iyer will bat at No.4. The India captain returns for the third time in New Zealand. He has played 7 T20Is in New Zealand, scoring 166 runs and averaging 33.50 with the bat.
Tilak Varma will feature in his maiden game in New Zealand as he adjusts to a new role at No.5. Recently, the southpaw opened up on playing as a finisher and stated that he wants to excel in it. The MI star scored 122 runs in 4 innings and had a strike-rate of 187.69.
Naman Dhir, who made his India debut against West Indies, will be given a longer run to prove his mettle. Rest, India will go ahead with two fast-bowling all-rounders: Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shivam Dube.
Against West Indies, India had Axar Patel, but the DC captain is most likely to be benched in the 1st T20I, making space for Shivam Dube, who sat on the bench in the 4th T20I. Further, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shivam Dube will play together against the Kiwis at Hagley Oval.
Bowlers: Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav
Among the bowlers, Bhuvneshwar Kumar will return to the side after 4 years. The right-arm seamer was roped in for the 5th T20I vs West Indies, but rain spoiled the evening. Arshdeep Singh is most likely to be given rest to regain full fitness, which might keep him out of the playing XI for the opening match.
Therefore, Prince Yadav and Mayank Yadav will start together.
India Predicted Playing XI vs New Zealand – 1st T20I, 2026
Sanju Samson(w), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer(c), Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav
