IND vs NZ 1st T20I: India vs New Zealand Toss Update and Playing XIs

The 5-match T20I contest with New Zealand is not a series for Team India; it turns into a stage to prove themselves ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. New Zealand has come to play the first T20I of the series after winning the 3-match ODI series against India by a 2-1 margin.

The defeat was a heartbreaking event for the Men in Blue, as they were the home team with a much more experienced squad compared to their opposition team. The Kiwis, with a bunch of emerging talents, got the last laugh by defeating the hosts in the final match of the ODI series.

Team India, under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, will try to put the best effort on the field in a commanding way to make a statement ahead of the T20 WC. India vs New Zealand 1st T20I is underway at the VCA Jamtha Stadium in Nagpur, where cricket fans are expecting to witness an entertaining contest between the batters and bowlers of both sides.

Almost a decade ago, New Zealand pulled off one of the most stunning wins against India in the T20 World Cup on this very ground. Spinner Ish Sodhi, who is still with the national setup, was one of the main protagonists behind NZ's stunning victory that night. The Men in Black will try to repeat the history again to keep their momentum and confidence on high.

Their current T20I squad features dangerous multi-format stars like Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, and Glenn Phillips, who are well-versed in subcontinental tracks. Indian bowlers are going to face a tough challenge tonight. According to cricket experts from the pitch side, the track can be on a slower side, as there are cracks under the layer of grass.

Toss Update:

Mitchell Santner won the toss, and New Zealand will bowl first in the IND vs. NZ 1st T20I match.

Playing XIs:

India (Playing XI) - Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Jasprit Bumrah.

New Zealand (Playing XI) - Tim Robinson, Devon Conway (WK), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (C), Kristian Clarke (ON T20I DEBUT), Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, and Jacob Duffy.