Combined XI of New Zealand vs India T20I series

India’s series against New Zealand finished with a 5-0 scorecard in favour of the visiting team. However, the fact the Black Caps gave the Men in Blue a run for their money can’t be denied. In two of the five games where the Super Overs took place, the Kiwis had the chance of turning the tables.

But Virat Kohli and Co held their nerve and came out trumps. Even in the first match, the hosts lost after getting 203. Kane Williamson’s men had every chance of avoiding a series defeat at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.

However, the home team let opportunities go and lost by seven runs. In the meantime, throughout the series, there were some standout performers from both the teams. Even as some managed to hog the limelight, a few of them silently kept chipping in with useful performances.

In the article, let’s take a look at the combined best XI for the India vs New Zealand series: –

1. KL Rahul (wk)

KL Rahul’s form of late has given teams plenty of headaches. The Kiwis haven’t been any exception either. Finishing as the leading run-scorer of the series, the right-hander put forth his stupendous potential with the willow, batting at the top of the order.

Rahul churned out 224 runs at an average of 56, most importantly, striking at a decent 144.51. To start with, he got 56 and 57* at the Eden Park in Auckland. In the next three matches, he didn’t drop his guard, though he couldn’t score half-centuries.

Rahul scored 27, 39 and 45, and made sure that the Men in Blue made use of the powerplay. India lost early wickets of Sanju Samson in a couple of instances, but that didn’t unnerve Rahul by any means. Parking aside his batting, the Karnataka cricketer displayed his sharp work with the keeping gloves as well.