Overview
- India and New Zealand open a five-match T20I series in Nagpur on Wednesday, the hosts’ last competitive run before the T20 World Cup starting February 7.
- New Zealand are assessing Adam Milne’s left hamstring and Michael Bracewell’s left calf strain, with all-rounder Kristian Clarke retained as cover for the first three games.
- Clarke earned the extended look after a standout ODI debut series in India, taking seven wickets and dismissing Virat Kohli twice in New Zealand’s 2-1 win.
- Suryakumar Yadav confirmed Sanju Samson will return to opening and Ishan Kishan will bat at No. 3, with Tilak Varma unavailable for the first three T20Is.
- Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah rejoin India’s T20 group after resting during the ODIs, as the management evaluates combinations despite Suryakumar’s 22-innings fiftyless run.