By his own admission, Suryakumar Yadav is still striking the ball as cleanly as ever in the nets. Match days, however, have brought a different challenge. The India T20 captain has faced growing scrutiny for failing to convert promising starts into match-defining innings. With just five games to go before he leads the defending champions into a home T20 World Cup, Suryakumar remains firm in his belief: the runs will come, but his fearless style is non-negotiable.

Importantly, Suryakumar can afford a degree of patience. Results continue to favour India, who remain the most dominant T20I side in world cricket. Since Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid guided the team to World Cup glory in 2024, India have won 29 of their last 36 T20Is. While there was a brief phase of experimentation—most notably the reintroduction of Shubman Gill that disrupted the top-order balance—that chapter appears closed. Sanju Samson is back opening alongside Abhishek Sharma, while Rinku Singh’s return as a designated finisher has restored clarity to the batting blueprint.

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The upcoming 11-day window offers India a valuable opportunity to fine-tune its combinations and identify any lingering concerns before the marquee event. New Zealand, as an opponent, presents the ideal litmus test. The visitors have unsettled India repeatedly in recent times, most notably in Tests and ODIs. With Mitchell Santner back at the helm, the Black Caps will be keen to extend that momentum into the shortest format and complete a rare trifecta.

New Zealand’s T20 World Cup cycle numbers—15 wins from 26 matches—paint a competitive picture, but losses to Australia and England underline a recurring issue against elite sides. If they are serious about breaking the dominance of the traditional heavyweights, consistency against top teams must improve, starting now.

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Conditions could add intrigue. The black-soil surface at the venue has historically assisted bowlers, with big scores rare. India’s own mixed record here includes an unwanted reminder: its lowest-ever T20I total of 79, set against New Zealand in the 2016 World Cup. History, pressure and preparation now converge once again.

India

India captain Suryakumar Yadav has put all speculation to rest by confirming that Ishan Kishan will bat at No.3 in the first three T20Is against New Zealand. With Tilak Varma sidelined due to injury, Suryakumar made it clear that Kishan is India’s preferred option and a key part of their T20 World Cup plans, edging out Shreyas Iyer for the role.

Probable XI: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel/Kuldeep Yadav, Varun CV, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh

New Zealand

New Zealand, meanwhile, will be boosted by the return of Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry and Mark Chapman, all expected to slot straight into the XI. The visitors may also add a second spinner in Ish Sodhi, while Tim Robinson opens alongside Devon Conway.

Probable XI: Tim Robinson, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner (c), Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy