India vs New Zealand 2019: 1st T20I, Wellington - India's Predicted Playing XI

After clinching the ODI series by 4-1, India National Cricket Team will like to draw first blood in the three-match T20I series. India was able to tick the right boxes in the ODI series and would like to continue their domination over New Zealand, who haven’t been at their best. Meanwhile, we try to decode India’s Predicted Playing XI for the first T20I set to be played at Westpac Stadium in Wellington on 6th February.

India will also like to test their bench strength. They have done a fine job in the recent past and would like to continue in a similar fashion. On the other hand, New Zealand will like to turn the tables after losing the ODI series.

India had dominated New Zealand in every sphere except the fourth ODI and they would like to continue their good show in the T20I series.

Here is a look at India’s Predicted Playing XI for the first T20I.

Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma scored two fifties in the ODI series against the hosts. The stand-in skipper will aim to continue his good work at the top of the order.

Shikhar Dhawan 

Shikhar Dhawan has been at sea while facing Trent Boult. Thus, Dhawan will like to turn the tides while facing New Zealand premier fast bowler. Dhawan also scored two fifties in the ODI series.

Dinesh Karthik

Dinesh Karthik has been unfortunate to miss out on his place in the ODI match. However, he has done well in the shortest format of the game.

Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant is going to be back in India’s squad for the T20I series. Pant has impressed in the red ball version and he would like to make his mark in his most lovable format.

MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni has returned to the T20I squad after missing the series against Australia. Dhoni is looking in great touch and he would look to continue in a similar fashion.

Kedar Jadhav

Kedar Jadhav has done a great job with both bat as well as the ball. Jadhav hasn’t got a lot of chances in the shortest format and he would like to impress with his skills.

Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya has made a roaring comeback after serving his suspension. Pandya had stroked a quickfire knock of 45 runs off just 22 balls in the final ODI.

India will like to continue their domination.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has done a good job in the recent past. Kumar will like to keep delivering the goods as he is going to hold the key for India.

Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep Yadav was rested from the final ODI against New Zealand. The mystery chinaman spinner would get back into the final XI of the side.

Yuzvendra Chahal

India’s Yuzvendra Chahal has troubled the New Zealand batsmen with his accurate bowling. The leg-spinner had scalped three wickets in the final ODI.

Siddarth Kaul

India’s rookie Siddarth Kaul might get his chance in the playing XI. Kaul is yet to impress at the International level after doing a good job in the IPL. Thus, Kaul makes the cut into our India’s Predicted Playing XI.