IND vs NZ: India’s Predicted Playing XI for 1st T20I

Having whitewashed New Zealand in the ODI leg of their ongoing series, India is all set to face the Black Caps in the T20I matches. Some of the senior Indian players, including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul, have been rested for the series. All-rounder Hardik Pandya will lead the team in their absence. The young Indian team is expected to do well in the three-match series. In this article, we will have a look at India’s probable Playing XI for the first match of the series.

Top Order

Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan (wk), Rahul Tripathi

Rahul Tripathi-Ishan Kishan-Shubman Gill (source: Twitter)

Shubman Gill has been in sublime form in white-ball cricket off late. While he has not had many chances in the T20I format, he has done exceptionally well in the 50-over format. Gill has a great opportunity to prove his worth in the shortest format of the game as well.

Ishan Kishan, on the other hand, is widely regarded as India’s next big thing in Twenty20 cricket. He will have a lot to prove in this series. Rahul Tripathi, for one, would want to make the most of his time with the Indian team because the competition for his spot is fierce.

Middle Order

Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya (c), Deepak Hooda, Washington Sundar

Suryakumar Yadav-Hardik Pandya-Deepak Hooda-Washington Sundar (source: Twitter)

The Indian middle order is full of power hitters. Suryakumar Yadav, batting at number four, is a no-brainer for team management based on his recent performances. Hardik Pandya also will have a lot to do since he will lead the side in the series.

Deepak Hooda and Washington Sundar, two spin all-rounders, will serve as finishers in the series. Both can smack the ball hard and are also very handy with the ball. However, they will have to ensure that they perform consistently.

Bowlers

Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik

Umran Malik-Yuzvendra Chahal-Kuldeep Yadav-Arshdeep Singh (source: Twitter)

Despite the absence of some senior members, the Indian bowling unit appears to be very strong. The duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal, also known as “Kul-Cha”, will play together in the shortest format after a long time. In this important series, they would try to recreate their previous performances.

The team’s pace unit will include Arshdeep Singh, a sensational find for the Indian Team, and Umran Malik, who has left everyone in awe with his incredible speed. They will be under the radar throughout the series, with senior players not in the mix.

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