The embarrassing ODI series ended for Team India, and they didn't have an answer to the second-string New Zealand side, which didn't feature 6-7 first-choice players. It was another poor chapter that ended under the coaching of Gautam Gambhir. But it can be forgotten if India can win the upcoming T20I series. India and New Zealand are scheduled to take on each other in the five-match T20I series. The first T20I will be live at 7 PM IST at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav's form will be the hot topic among the fans, who had a horrible 2025 with the bat. Ishan Kishan is all set to make his comeback and will bat at no. 3. Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah will be back after missing out in the ODI series. Even for New Zealand, all the big names are back. Mitchell Santner will lead the Black Caps, and their pace battery will be recharged with the return of Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy. They will be keen to challenge the no. 1 ranked T20I side in their own conditions.
IND vs NZ: Match Info.
·Series: New Zealand tour of India 2026
·Match: India vs New Zealand, 1st T20I
·Venue: Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur
·Time: 7:00 PM IST
·Date: January 21, 2026 (Wednesday)
India vs New Zealand: Head-to-Head: IND (14) – NZ (10)
The upcoming game will be the 26th meeting between these two sides in the shorter format. India are leading the scoreline with 14 wins, while New Zealand have won ten games, whereas one game has been washed out.
IND vs NZ: Pitch Report
The wicket in Nagpur is flat, and it won't have much assistance for the bowlers. Though the new ball will seam for the first 2-3 overs, whereas spinners can get some turn in the lateral stages. But it is a true surface to bat on with not much big boundaries. The average score here should be around 170-180.
IND vs NZ: Live Streaming Details
·TV: Star Sports Network
·Digital: Jio Hotstar (App or Website)
IND vs NZ: Weather Report
The weather forecast for the first T20I in Nagpur shows humid conditions in the evening. The temperature is likely to be around 25 and 27°C, with a moderate wind speed of 11 kmph and 48 percent humidity.
New Zealand: Daryl Mitchell ended the ODI series with the Player of the Series award. He had a record-breaking series and showed why he is considered a big headache for India across formats.
India: Abhishek Sharma is the kind of batter who can win the game singlehandedly with the bat. That is why he is an x-factor for India in this format.
IND vs NZ: Probable Best Bowler
New Zealand: Jacob Duffy finished the last year among the top wicket-taker across formats. He has improved as a death bowler and also takes wickets in the powerplay.
India: Varun Chakravarthy has been in incredible form since his comeback in the squad. He has outperformed Kuldeep and has become India's premier spinner.
India vs New Zealand Today’s Match Prediction:It is expected to be a high-voltage clash as the two strong teams come up against each other. India are expected to carry on their aggressive approach and the introduction of in-form Ishan Kishan at no. 3, will add more explosiveness for India. The bowling unit also looks pretty strong with the return of Varun, Bumrah, and Hardik.
But New Zealand are also coming with their best possible bowling unit. They have good spinners and a brilliant fast bowler trio. That is what makes this game more interesting. But with the way India are performing with the bat, they will be favorites going into this game.
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