IND vs NZ 1st T20I: Ishan Kishan Confirmed At No. 3, Shreyas Iyer Out- India's Predicted XI

IND vs NZ: Star wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan is set to make his return to India's T20I playing XI for the first time in over two years after captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed that the left-hander will feature in the opening match of the five-game series against New Zealand, starting Wednesday. Kishan will bat at No. 3, edging out Shreyas Iyer for a place in the XI.

Kishan last represented India in international cricket in 2023 but earned his recall on the back of strong domestic performances for Jharkhand. His standout showing came in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he amassed 517 runs to finish as the tournament's leading run-scorer. Those efforts not only secured him a spot in the T20I squad against New Zealand but also in India's

team for the T20 World Cup 2026.

With Tilak Varma sidelined for the first three T20Is due to injury, Kishan has been handed an immediate opportunity in the middle order. Confirming the decision, Suryakumar Yadav said, "Obviously, we will miss Tilak and Washi. But injuries are part of a sportsperson's career. It would be an opportunity for someone else to play. Ishan will play at No. 3. He is part of the World Cup squad and deserves to play. "

Shreyas Iyer, who was not initially named in the T20I squad, was added as cover for Tilak Varma but will miss out on a starting role. Iyer recently featured in the ODI series against New Zealand, scoring 49, 8 and 3 as India went down 1-2.

At the top of the order, Sanju Samson is expected to return as opener alongside Abhishek Sharma in the absence of Shubman Gill. Kishan and Suryakumar will occupy the No. 3 and No. 4 slots respectively, followed by Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube in the middle order. India are likely to field three all-rounders - Hardik, Axar Patel and Dube - allowing flexibility in the batting order depending on match conditions.

Rinku Singh adds depth as the eighth batting option. In the bowling department, Jasprit Bumrah will lead the pace attack with support from Arshdeep Singh. Hardik and Dube are set to share the remaining seam duties, while Varun Chakravarthy will be the lone specialist spinner, assisted by Axar Patel.

With a balanced XI and Kishan's return adding firepower, India will look to make a strong start to the series at home.

India Playing XI: Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy.