new zealandThe late reshuffle has been made to the T20 squad following the historic 2-1 ODI series win, the Black Caps’ first bilateral ODI series win on Indian soil.
India vs New Zealand T20 series starts from January 21 in Nagpur
The action now shifts to the five-match T20 series starting in Nagpur from January 21, followed by matches in Raipur (January 23), Guwahati (January 25), Visakhapatnam (January 28) and Thiruvananthapuram (January 31). This series first serves as a high-stakes finals rehearsal for both teams ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Starting from 7th February. After winning the decisive ODI match in Indore by 41 runs from behind with centuries. darryl mitchell And glen phillipsVisitors are riding a wave of unprecedented momentum. However, injuries to senior players have forced the head coach rob walter So that they can adjust the roster to prepare for the shorter format of the tournament.
Historic momentum with ODI series win and final preparations
After creating history in Indore, the Kiwi team is entering the T20 phase with great confidence. Their 2–1 win marked the first time in 37 years that India has lost an ODI series to New Zealand on home soil. Virat Kohli‘s courageous but unsuccessful 54th ODI century. With the T20 World Cup just a few weeks away, this five-match series at various Indian venues is the last opportunity for the Black Caps to finalize their tactical plans. The schedule is deliberately dense, testing the team’s depth and adaptability to subcontinental conditions.
Also read: 3 main reasons for India’s defeat in the ODI series against New Zealand
Breakthrough star included for T20 series against New Zealand
After a sensational international debut during the ODIs, the young all-rounder Christian Clark Has been officially included in the T20I squad for the first three matches. Clarke’s ability to remain calm under pressure was evident when he dismissed top-class Indian batsmen and scored useful runs down the order. Clarke took seven wickets in the entire ODI series and dismissed Kohli twice out of three during that period. His inclusion is a strategic move to strengthen the fast bowling department while keeping an eye on the fatigue of several senior members. The coaching staff is keen to see if Clarke can translate his recent success on the high-scoring grounds of Nagpur and Raipur into the 20-over format.
Fitness test for key all-rounders as Michael Bracewell
The team is currently battling a fitness crisis involving two of its most experienced versatile players. Michael BracewellThe batsman who led the ODI side to victory is suffering from a minor left calf strain during the series decider, while veteran fast bowler Adam Milne has been battling a hamstring problem during his recent stint with the franchise. Both players are vital to New Zealand’s World Cup ambitions, and their availability for the latter half of this T20I series remains uncertain. His absence puts additional pressure on the captain michel santner and returning Rachin Ravindra Stabilizing the middle order and leading the spin attack.
New Zealand updated T20 squad against India
Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway (wk), Jacob Duffy, Jack Faulks, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Ish Sodhi, Christian Clarke (first 3 games).
Also read: Is Ravindra Jadeja’s journey in ODI over? A deep look at his dwindling fortunes
