India reveal predicted XI for 1st T20I at Hagley Oval against New Zealand

India have a predicted strongest XI for the opening T20I against New Zealand at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on October 22, 2026, as they begin a five-match series in New Zealand.

India arrive after a home five-match T20I series against West Indies that finished 2-2 following a washout in the final game; they last faced New Zealand in the T20 World Cup 2026 final, where India defeated New Zealand to defend their title. The touring side will be without Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya for the opening match, and selectors are weighing their bowling options with pace and bounce expected to play a role in Christchurch.

The predicted playing XI named for the first T20I is: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (C), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy.

Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson are likely to open, offering quick scoring in the powerplay, while Ishan Kishan is projected to bat at No. 3 to provide an additional attacking option at the top. Captain Shreyas Iyer is expected at No. 4, followed by Tilak Varma, with both players tasked with stabilising the innings if early wickets fall.

In the bowling unit, Bhuvneshwar Kumar is expected to play a key role after returning to the T20I side following a gap of nearly four years, with Arshdeep Singh supplying support with the new ball and at the death. Varun Chakravarthy, having regained fitness, is listed as an option in the spin department, but the team may consider including an extra fast bowler given the anticipated conditions in Christchurch.

All-rounders Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube and Axar Patel are pencilled in to provide balance with both bat and ball, though the campaign notes that India’s spin options may not be as effective as they are in Asian conditions. The selectors retain several choices for the tour, aiming for a combination that offers batting depth and adequate pace bowling.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is mentioned as a player to watch but is likely to wait for an opportunity with Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson expected to open. Shreyas Iyer is expected to captain India in the first T20I on October 22 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.