India's Predicted XI for New Zealand T20I series

It’s been a hectic season for Virat Kohli and his men. They just finished the ODI series against Australia and now, they are off to New Zealand. In fact, there’s a mere four days gap between the final ODI against Australia which was played on the 19^th of January and India play their first T20I on the 24^th.

India don’t have a great record against the Kiwis in the shortest format. In fact, it was only in 2017 that India won their first T20I against New Zealand. Out of the 11 T20Is, they have won just three against them. In New Zealand, the ‘Men in Blue’ have won just one T20I (out of five). The Men in Blue have never won a T20I series there. Hence, this five-match T20I series is a big opportunity for Kohli and Co to script history.

With the first T20I only a few days away, let’s take a look at the predicted XI for the T20I series:

1. Rohit Sharma

While 2019 was outstanding for Rohit Sharma in Tests and ODIs, he didn’t really enjoy the same success in the shortest format. He averaged just 28.28 and amassed 396 runs from 14 innings. However, he did show some improvement towards the end of the year as he ended it with a fluent 71 against West Indies.

He wasn’t a part of the T20I series that played against Sri Lanka earlier this month. However, Rohit’s form isn’t too concerning. It doesn’t take long for him to get back to his best. He has the ability to score fast and score big as well.

The Indian vice-captain looked good against Australia and scored a match-winning ton in the third ODI as well. Hence, he is in good form and he will be crucial at the top of the order for the ‘Men in Blue’.