New Zealand vs India T20I series : India's Predicted Playing XI

India have named their squads for the white-ball tour of New Zealand. The trio of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul have been rested for both the limited-overs assignments. For the T20I series, Hardik Pandya will be the leader of the troops with Rishabh Pant acting as his deputy.

Though a couple of veteran players are absent, the contingent for the shortest format is still pretty formidable. The 16-member squad is stacked with match-winners and has the ability to stand toe to toe with the Blackcaps even on the latter’s turf. However, it will be interesting what starting XI the team management decides to go with for the T20I series starting November 18.

Here is India’s predicted Playing XI for the T20I series against New Zealand:

1. Ishan Kishan

Ishan Kishan is known for his fearless brand of cricket and has set the international stage on fire with his strokeplay on many occasions. The wicket-keeper batter has played 19 T20I matches and scored 543 runs at a decent strike rate of 131.15.

Generally an aggressive batter, Kishan showed a different side of the game in the 2022 season of the Indian Premier League. The wicketkeeper batter played as per the game situation and steadied the ship whenever Mumbai Indians were in trouble and amassed 418 runs in 14 games at a strike rate of 120.11.

The 24-year-old is a dasher of spin bowling and also provides a left-hand option at the top order making him an asset to the side. Moreover, Kishan has been a good nick of late and scored 138 runs in three innings played in the ongoing season of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT).  Thus, the southpaw is a great option to have to start the proceedings with the bat.