New Delhi, Jan. 21 -- India's 5-match T20I series against New Zealand is critical for the Men in Blue ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. The series starts today, 21 January.

The first IND vs NZ T20 cricket match will be played in Vidarbha. India enter the T20 series after losing the ODI series 2-1 to New Zealand.

Suryakumar Yadav will continue as T20 captain. Axar Patel was named vice-captain as Shubman Gill was dropped from the squad.

Captain Suryakumar Yadav has confirmed that Ishan Kishan will bat at No. 3. The wicketkeeper-batter is returning to Team India after a long hiatus. His last T20 match for India was in November 2023.

India are expected to go with a balanced bowling attack of two specialist pacers and one specialist spinner...