After dominating New Zealand in the ODI series, Team India is now concentrating on the three T20Is while resting a few of their top players. The Men in Blue have been given the chance to be led by Hardik Pandya once more, and he has a roster full of intriguing players at his disposal. All-rounder Mitchell Santner of the Chennai Super Kings will serve as New Zealand’s captain in place of temporary leader Tom Latham.
The toss has been won by India, who has chosen to bowl first. In the opening T20I of the three-match series, India will chase against New Zealand.
Shubhman Gill was not given preference in the T20I team a few months ago. The young player now has a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate his value in the shorter format as well, thanks to his impressive performances in the ODI format. Notably, Gill was essential to the Gujarat Titans’ successful IPL 2022 campaign.
The Indian cricket team led by #HardikPandya will be looking to start the T20I series with a victory over New Zealand in Ranchi#INDvsNZ #INDvNZ
Live Scorecard: https://t.co/bSYlsULOZN
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— CricketNDTV (@CricketNDTV) January 27, 2023
New Zealand, on the other side, is seeking retribution after being thoroughly defeated in the three-match ODI series. The Kiwis were undoubtedly hurt by the absence of key players like Kane Williamson, Trent Boult, Tim Southee, and Jimmy Neesham, but they intend to make a statement in the T20Is.
The first Twenty20 International between India and New Zealand is being played at Ranchi. Team India have won all three T20I matches held at the Jharkhand Cricket Association Stadium in Ranchi till date. Out of those three, India won a T20I against New Zealand as well back in November 2021. Ranchi is the hometown of renowned former Indian captain MS Dhoni.
History and stats of this ground demonstrates that naturally India had more chances to grab the match.
The JSCA International Stadium’s pitch in Ranchi is sluggish and dry. Seamers may receive some early action, while spinners will extract some turn and bounce off the surface. But here, pacers will be more appealing to batsmen than spinners.
