After the injury of Shikhar Dhawan, there may be a lack of consistency in the batting order once again. Captain Virat Kohli would like to start with a win in the first match. To win in the first T20, Virat will have to come up against New Zealand with a balanced and excellent team combination. In such a situation, these 11 players can Virat Kohli bet on in the first T20 match against New Zealand.
Opening
In the absence of Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul along with Rohit Sharma can be seen commanding the innings opening. Shikhar Dhawan was injured in the last T20 series against Australia. Because of which he had to be out of the New Zealand tour. Rohit and Rahul both have scored in the one-day series against Australia. Rahul has even batted at number three and number five from the opening.
Middle order
Virat Kohli will come to bat at number three. Virat has scored in the one-day series against Australia, but he could not perform his best in that series. In the first match of the T20 series against New Zealand, Virat will try to win the team by playing a great innings. Shreyas Iyer can come in to bat at number four. Iyer has strengthened himself to this position by performing well in the last few matches. Virat can also include Manish Pandey in the final 11 for more depth in batting.
Allrounder
The team includes Ravindra Jadeja and Shivam Dubey as all-rounders. In the first T20 match against New Zealand, Virat Kohli can give Ravindra Jadeja a chance in the playing 11.
Wicket Keeper
About wicket keeper, captain Virat Kohli will have to decide whether he will add Rishabh Pant to the team or will KL Rahul get wicket keeping in this series like Australia. However the chances are, Virat Kohli can include Rishabh Pant in the final 11.
Bowling
Jasprit Bumrah will lead the Indian team’s bowling in this series as well. Mohammad Shami and Navdeep Saini can be seen supporting him. Kuldeep Yadav may get a chance in the playing 11 as a spinner.
These could be the Indian team for first T20 against New Zealand
Virat Kohli (captain), Rohit Sharma (vice-captain), KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Kuldeep Yadav, Jaspreet Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Navdeep Saini and Ravindra Jadeja.