India start World Cup build-up with T20I series against New Zealand

India skipper Suryakumar Yadav will look to rediscover his batting mojo and reinforce his leadership credentials when the hosts take on New Zealand in the opening T20 International of the five-match series here on Wednesday, a crucial final rehearsal ahead of their World Cup title defence next month.

Since taking over the T20I captaincy in 2024 , Suryakumar has overseen an impressive run, winning 18 of the 25 matches under his leadership. However, his own form with the bat has emerged as a rare concern in an otherwise settled and dominant Indian line-up.

The past year has been particularly difficult for the flamboyant Mumbai batter, who managed just 218 runs from 19 matches in 2025 without registering a single half-century, while operating at a modest strike rate of a little over 123. In an attempt to stabilise the middle order, Suryakumar even pushed himself down to No.4, allowing Tilak Varma a longer run at No.3.

With India under pressure to become the first team to successfully defend a T20 World Cup title, the spotlight will firmly be on their captain to lead from the front against a formidable New Zealand side.

Despite New Zealand’s recent success in India, including a historic Test series whitewash and a maiden bilateral ODI series win, the visitors face a different challenge in the shortest format. India under Suryakumar have been near-invincible in T20Is, driven by Abhishek Sharma’s explosive starts at the top and Varun Chakravarthy’s match-defining spells through the middle overs.

The series also marks the return of key players Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah, both of whom were rested during the ODI leg. Pandya’s presence adds balance to the side, allowing the team management greater flexibility in team combinations, while Bumrah remains India’s most potent weapon with the ball.

Varun Chakravarthy, the mystery spinner who has often turned games on their head with his four-over spells between the seventh and 15th overs, will again be central to India’s plans, especially with Kuldeep Yadav struggling for consistency.

India face a selection dilemma in the absence of Tilak Varma, who is recovering from abdominal surgery. Shreyas Iyer, regarded as one of the best players of spin in the country, is a strong contender for the middle-order role, though in-form left-hander Ishan Kishan also remains in the mix, particularly if India seek a left-right combination at the top.

New Zealand arrive with confidence, having won 13 of their 21 T20Is since the 2024 World Cup. With Devon Conway, skipper Mitchell Santner, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell and premier seamer Jacob Duffy in their ranks, the visitors possess the firepower to test the hosts.

The contest between Varun Chakravarthy and New Zealand’s power-packed middle order could prove decisive as India look to fine-tune their combinations before the global showpiece.The match begins at 7 pm.