India vs New Zealand 1st T20I Preview: The India vs New Zealand 1st T20I promises an exciting start to the five-match series as both teams lock horns tonight, January 21, 2026, at the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) Stadium in Nagpur. With the match scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM IST, fans can expect a thrilling prime-time encounter filled with power-hitting, tactical bowling, and fresh storylines.
This game marks the opening fixture of New Zealand’s tour of India 2026, a series that holds significance as teams continue preparations for upcoming ICC tournaments. The VCA Stadium, known for its true bounce and large boundaries, is expected to offer a competitive surface for both batters and bowlers, while a packed crowd of nearly 45,000 spectators will add to the electric atmosphere.
India vs New Zealand 1st T20I Preview
Ishan Kishan Returns to the Spotlight
One of the biggest talking points ahead of the match is the return of Ishan Kishan to the Indian T20I squad after more than two years. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav has confirmed that the left-handed batter will slot in at number three, replacing the injured Tilak Varma. Kishan’s comeback follows a string of impressive domestic performances, including leading Jharkhand to success in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025.
Kishan’s experience could prove vital in the middle order. He has represented India in 32 T20 Internationals, scoring 796 runs with six half-centuries, and his aggressive approach perfectly suits India’s attacking T20 philosophy.
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India’s Likely Playing Combination
India is expected to field a well-balanced XI, combining explosive batters with proven match-winners in the bowling department.
| Role | Player |
|---|---|
| Openers | Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk) |
| Middle Order | Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya |
| Finishers | Shivam Dube / Rinku Singh |
| All-round Options | Axar Patel / Harshit Rana |
| Bowlers | Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy |
The presence of Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh strengthens India’s pace attack, while Varun Chakravarthy’s mystery spin could be a key factor on the Nagpur pitch.
Live Telecast and Streaming Details
Cricket fans in India can watch the IND vs NZ 1st T20I live on the Star Sports Network, while online streaming will be available on the JioHotstar app and website.
With Ishan Kishan’s much-anticipated return and Suryakumar Yadav leading an aggressive Indian side, the hosts will be keen to start the series with a win. New Zealand, however, are known for their resilience and adaptability, setting the stage for a closely contested and entertaining series opener in Nagpur.
Team Cricket Duniyar writes on cricket and sports, providing timely updates, match previews, reviews, and trending stories from the world of sports.
