India’s cricket team seeks redemption in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand after squandering a 1-2 ODI series lead. From January 21 to 31, this home series arrives as a timely morale booster ahead of the T20 World Cup co-hosted by India.
New Zealand’s upset in ODIs highlights their danger, but India’s T20I prowess at home—evidenced by 14 wins in 25 meetings (NZ 10 wins, 1 tie)—instills optimism. The series could be a pivotal swing in form and mindset.
Spanning the nation, matches are set for Nagpur (Jan 21), Raipur (Jan 23), Guwahati (Jan 25), Visakhapatnam (Jan 28), and Thiruvananthapuram (Jan 31), all commencing at 7 PM IST for maximum viewer engagement.
Suryakumar Yadav captains a robust Indian squad: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Shreyas Iyer (first three T20s), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vc), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ishan Kishan (wk), and Ravi Bishnoi. This mix of youth and experience is primed for success.
Opposing them is New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner-led outfit: Devon Conway, Bevon Jacobs, Tim Robinson, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jack Fox, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Jacob Duffy, Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, and Matt Henry. Their all-round depth is a force to reckon with.
As strategies unfold and players shine, this T20 extravaganza will test resilience and skill. India’s quest for series triumph could set the tone for bigger battles ahead.