New Zealand National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team Match: India are expected to make a few changes to their playing XI for the fifth and final T20I against New Zealand at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
All-rounder Hardik Pandya could be rested for workload management ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. Vice-captain Axar Patel, sidelined for most of the series due to a cut on his left index finger, is likely to return after bowling in the nets ahead of the fourth T20I. Harshit Rana could make way if Patel is included.
Ishan Kishan, who missed the fourth T20I due to a minor niggle, is expected to return. Kishan has scored 112 runs in three innings at a strike rate of 224.00 and could replace Pandya in the final match.
India’s probable XI: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy.
India has already won the series and will look to finish with a 4-1 victory over New Zealand.
