Nagpur, Jan 20 (NationPress) All eyes will be on captain Suryakumar Yadav as India embarks on a five-match T20I series against New Zealand at the New Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur this Wednesday.

This series serves as a crucial opportunity for both teams to gear up for the T20 World Cup, commencing on February 7. Since taking charge in 2024, Yadav has steered India to a remarkable series of victories. Under his leadership, the team has clinched eight consecutive T20I series, boasting a record of 29 wins and only 5 losses, which includes two thrilling super over wins, since their world title triumph in Bridgetown.

However, he faced a personal challenge during the 2025 season, scoring just 218 runs in 19 matches at a strike rate exceeding 123, without a single fifty to his name. After shifting to the No. 4 position to accommodate Tilak Varma, Yadav is determined to reclaim his aggressive batting approach and bolster his leadership during this pivotal phase.

On the flip side, New Zealand is on the hunt for their own historic achievement. In the past year, they have achieved remarkable series wins in India across Tests and ODIs. Their ultimate goal is to secure a T20I series victory in India, aside from their solitary win in 2012. New Zealand has come agonizingly close to achieving this feat twice, with the 2017 and 2023 series both culminating in decisive final matches, where India emerged victorious with a score of 2-1.

This competitive backdrop adds an extra layer of excitement to the five-match series, especially considering the context of the World Cup. Unlike the prior ODI encounters, where both teams were without key players, they will field near full-strength squads for the T20I matches.

Returning to lead New Zealand's white-ball team is Mitchell Santner, supported by Rachin Ravindra, Matt Henry, and Jacob Duffy. India will reinstate Jasprit Bumrah and the two all-rounders—Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel—who were absent during the ODIs. This combination enhances India's T20I strength significantly.

Axar’s comeback is particularly crucial on a Nagpur pitch that often favors spin. New Zealand's bowlers outperformed India’s batters in the ODIs, but Axar poses a different threat. He is tall, fast through the air, and adept at targeting the stumps, making him hard to sweep. His prowess as a middle-order hitter against spin is also vital.

For New Zealand, keep an eye on Tim Robinson. He made headlines with his maiden T20I century against Australia last year and followed it up with an impressive home series against the West Indies, striking at an impressive 160.52 in the powerplay. Although not currently in the World Cup squad, a strong showing against India could enhance his chances should any last-minute opportunities arise.

Both teams face lingering selection dilemmas. Captain Yadav has confirmed that Ishan Kishan will replace Tilak Varma, who is sidelined with an injury. The captain must also decide between Shivam Dube and Harshit Rana regarding which all-rounder will occupy the No. 8 position, a choice that may depend on pitch conditions.

New Zealand may not rush Michael Bracewell back from a calf injury, but they are likely to reintroduce Glenn Phillips, who missed the last T20I series, potentially in place of James Neesham.

The conditions at this venue add an intriguing element, coupled with the history of T20Is between these two teams in Nagpur (notably during the 2016 World Cup), where NZ famously utilized three spinners to bowl India out for just 79 runs.

The VCA Stadium has consistently provided a favorable environment for spinners, with the second-best average (20.82) and the fourth-best economy rate (6.7) among Indian venues hosting at least five T20Is. A pleasant, dry day is anticipated, with evening temperatures expected to hover in the low 20s, setting the stage for a thrilling match as India enters with momentum and authority, while New Zealand seeks that elusive victory against India.

Time: 7:00 PM IST

Venue: Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Jamtha

Broadcast and streaming: Star Sports & JioStar

Squads:

India: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, Rinku Singh, Arshdeep Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Harshit Rana.

New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (C), Devon Conway, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tim Robinson, Jimmy Neesham, Ish Sodi, Zak Foulkes, Mark Chapman, Michael Bracewell, Rachin Ravindra, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, Kristian Clarke.