Kishan at No. 3: India's Bold T20 Strategy vs NZ

India confirms Ishan Kishan at No. 3 for the T20I opener vs New Zealand, sidelining Shreyas Iyer. Key batting and bowling changes revealed.

India is navigating significant selection choices for the T20I series opener against New Zealand in Nagpur, scheduled for Wednesday, January 21, 2026. A key decision sees Ishan Kishan firmly placed at the number three batting position, a move confirmed by captain Suryakumar Yadav. This strategic decision means Shreyas Iyer, recently brought into the squad as an injury replacement, is expected to miss the first match.

Further shaping the batting order, Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson are anticipated to open the innings. Suryakumar Yadav will occupy the crucial number four spot, anchoring the middle order. The all-round responsibilities are likely to be handled by Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya at numbers five and six, with Rinku Singh set to feature as the finisher at number seven.

The bowling contingent presents another critical decision point, with a likely preference for mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy over Kuldeep Yadav. Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh are poised to lead the fast bowling attack, supported by Hardik Pandya. New Zealand, meanwhile, is expected to field its strongest eleven to acclimatize to subcontinental conditions ahead of the T20 World Cup.

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