New Zealand tour of India, 2023: India vs New Zealand, 1st T20 Preview

This three-match T20I series feels out of place because it is scheduled nine months before an ODI World Cup. More pressingly, a showpiece four-Test series against Australia is approaching, which will basically determine the World Test Championship's champions. Nevertheless, here we are on the verge of a series that feels like finger food before the main course but holds the promise of opportunities - opportunities for both teams to look at players who are ready to take over and for players to look at themselves after what could have been a jaded wait in the wings. Therefore, there is a willing Prithvi Shaw ready to enter and show his mettle in place of Virat Kohli who has been rested for the series. Similar, Shivam Mavi is there for Mohammed Shami. There are also Finn Allen and Ben Lister quietly simmering on the sidelines for Kane Williamson and Tim Southee. Due to their desire to assemble a team and culture in preparation for the 2024 World Cup, new captains Hardik Pandya and Mitchell Santner should take advantage of the three upcoming T20 Internationals. Date & Time - January 27 at 7:00 PM IST Venue - JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi Pitch Report This venue has only held three T20 Internationals, with the most recent one being a rematch between India and New Zealand in 2021. On that occasion, the sluggish pitch was highlighted by the cutters of Tim Southee and Harshal Patel, but India has played on far better surfaces this season, so something similar could be anticipated in Ranchi. At this location, watch out for the large boundaries. Squads: India Squad: Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan(w), Rahul Tripathi, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya(c), Deepak Hooda, Washington Sundar, Shivam Mavi, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Jitesh Sharma, Mukesh Kumar, Prithvi Shaw New Zealand Squad: Finn Allen, Devon Conway(w), Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner(c), Lockie Ferguson, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner, Jacob Duffy, Michael Rippon, Dane Cleaver, Henry Shipley, Ben Lister