Mitchell Santner's squad prepares for the opening match of the five-game series at Hagley Oval.
New Zealand will face India in the opening match of a five-match T20I series starting October 22, 2026. The first encounter takes place at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, where Mitchell Santner's squad will look to make a strong start in the series.
Mitchell Santner captains a 16-member New Zealand squad featuring seven fast bowlers. The squad has undergone changes ahead of the series, with Rachin Ravindra ruled out due to a shoulder injury. Michael Bracewell returns after injury kept him out of the T20 World Cup, while Adam Milne also returns to the New Zealand cricket team.
Here is the New Zealand predicted playing XI for 1st T20I vs India:
Top Order: Tim Seifert (wk), Finn Allen, Devon Conway
Tim Seifert will keep wickets for New Zealand, bringing 2279 T20I runs to the role. Finn Allen, with 1663 T20I runs, and Devon Conway, who has accumulated 1839 T20I runs, form the opening partnership options. Both players bring experience to the top order as the team seeks early momentum against India's bowling attack.