IND vs NZ 1st T20: Wasim Jaffer’s Predicted India Playing XI for India vs New Zealand first T20I

IND vs NZ 1st T20I: The ODI series between India and New Zealand was an entertaining encounter for fans that saw hosts whitewashing the visitors. The focus now shifts towards the T20 series, which will be played from 27th January in Ranchi followed by the second and third games to be played on 29th January and 1st February respectively in Lucknow and Ahmedabad. 

IND vs NZ 1st T20: Wasim Jaffer’s Predicted India Playing XI for India vs New Zealand first T20I

India will field a relatively young side in the T20Is with Hardik Pandya taking over the charge. The senior players have been rested and it’ll be another opportunity for young batters to claim their stake and make their case strong.

With just few hours remaining for the first T20I, former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer has named his Indian XI for the first game. Ishan Kishan will open the batting and will keep the wickets. The Ranji Trophy Legend has chosen Shubman Gill ahead of Prithvi Shaw as an opener in the first game.

Rahul Tripathi because of his heroics in the T20I series against Sri Lanka has retained his place at No.3 in Jaffer’s side whereas Suryakumar Yadav will bat at No.4 in the team. Skipper Hardik Pandya has been slotted at No.5 by the former cricketer.

The two all-rounders Deepak Hooda and Washington Sundar will bat at No.6 and No.7 respectively and are also expected to play a crucial role with the ball. Jaffer then has given nod ahead to Kuldeep Yadav in place of Yuzvendra Chahal.

Whereas Shivam Mavi, Arshdeep Singh and Umran Malik are the three pacers that are picked by Wasim Jaffer in his team for the first T20I against New Zealand.

Wasim Jaffer’s Predicted India Playing XI for India vs New Zealand first T20I

Here’s Wasim Jaffer’s Predicted India Playing XI for India vs New Zealand first T20I

Ishan Kishan (WK)
Shubman Gill
Rahul Tripathi
Suryakumar Yadav
Hardik Pandya (C)
Deepak Hooda
Washington Sundar
Shivam Mavi
Kuldeep Yadav
Umran Malik
Arshdeep Singh

My India XI for tonight:

Ishan (wk)
Gill
Tripathi
SKY
Hardik (c)
Hooda
Sundar
Mavi
Kuldeep
Umran
Arshdeep

What's yours? #INDvNZ

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) January 27, 2023