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New Zealand Predicted Playing XI vs India – 1st T20I, 2026

Arjun Bhalla

New Zealand team in a huddle | Source- AFPNew Zealand team in a huddle | Source- AFP

Team India is on the New Zealand shores after four years, with the multi-format set to kick off with the T20I leg. The next T20 World Cup will be co-hosted by New Zealand, so the upcoming series against the two-time reigning champions will be a great spectacle. 

The first of five T20I matches will be contested between India and New Zealand at Hagley Oval on Thursday, October 22. 

Ahead of the much-awaited clash, we will analyse a possible New Zealand Playing XI vs India for the 1st T20I, ahead of the first match of the five-match series on Thursday in Christchurch.

Top Order: Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Tim Seifert

With Rachin Ravindra ruled out with a freak injury, the New Zealanders would need to rejig the whole top order. The ever-consistent Devon Conway will be back for the New Zealand Playing XI vs India for the 1st T20I, opening the innings. 

The year Finn Allen has had in T20 cricket, his spot can not be compromised. In 2026, the Kiwi dasher has smoked nearly 1500 T20 runs at a strike rate of 181, featuring three big hundreds. 

Tim Seifert, who has also had an equally brilliant 2026 season, will be demoted to number three in the NZ Playing XI vs IND for 1st T20I to accomodate Conway and Allen to open the innings. 

Middle Order & All-Rounders: Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Bevon-John Jacobs, Mitchell Santner

The versatile Glenn Phillips will play a massive role in the NZ Playing XI vs IND for 1st T20I. He will not have to be the backbone of the Kiwi batting order, but the captain will expect him to bowl a few overs. 

Just like Phillips, Daryl Mitchell will also need to play a massive role in the middle order, although he is coming off a substandard ETPL season. He will stay play a crucial role as India are one of Mitchell's favourite oppositions. 

Bevon-John Jacobs may not have much experience on the international stage, but the youngster has a strong reputation for disrupting the T20 scene. He is coming off a decent Top End T20 2026. 

Mitchell Santner recently led Edinburgh Castle Rockers to a title in the maiden ETPL season. His bowling was gun, he was finishing up games and his leadership was on point. The all-rounder will be up against his favourite international side, looking to take the revenge for the 2026 T20 World Cup final. 

Bowlers: Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy

The Blackcaps will look to field a four-pace attack in the New Zealand Playing XI vs India For 1st T20I. 

Kyle Jamieson, who has been a constant in the shortest format since the 2026 T20 World Cup, will be the first one on the list. However, Jamieson hasn't had much success against India in T20Is, leaking runs at an RPO of 14.44. 

Adam Milne will be the leader of the New Zealand bowling unit, although he hasn't played a T20I since July last year. 

Lockie Ferguson will be included in the NZ Playing XI vs IND for 1st T20I for his pace. The speedster has spellbinding numbers in T20I cricket at home. 

Jacob Duffy will complete the bowling attack, and he has to be the most important bowler of them all. Since the start of 2025, the right-arm pacer has taken 44 wickets in the format, which is the most for any Kiwi bowler in that period by a distance.  

New Zealand Predicted Playing XI vs India For 1st T20I, 2026

Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (wk), Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Bevon Jacobs, Mitchell Santner (c), Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy.