IND vs NZ 2026: 3 Indian players to watch out for in T20I series

The five-match T20I series between India and New Zealand is set to begin on January 21 at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Jamtha, Nagpur. With Suryakumar Yadav leading a refreshed Indian side that includes several new faces, the series holds significant importance as part of India’s preparation for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka starting February 7.

As both teams look to fine-tune their combinations ahead of the global event, CricTracker has a deep dive into three interesting names from the Indian team who will be having a lot of spotlight on them during the upcoming five-match series against the BlackCaps.

Here are three Indian players to watch out for in New Zealand T20I series

3. Ishan Kishan

The wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan is undoubtedly one of the most exciting players to watch in this series. He earned his recall to the Indian squad after a sensational campaign in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025, where he played a pivotal role in leading Jharkhand to the title. Kishan finished the tournament as the leading run-scorer, amassing 511 runs in 10 innings, including two centuries and two half-centuries, at a staggering strike rate of 197.32.

In T20Is, Kishan has played 32 matches for India, scoring 796 runs with six half-centuries to his name. While these numbers may appear modest, his current form and confidence make him a key player to watch. A strong showing in this series could help him cement his place ahead of the World Cup.

2. Axar Patel

India’s T20I vice-captain Axar Patel is another crucial player to keep an eye on. The Gujarata cricketer has been re-added to the leadership group for both this series and the upcoming World Cup, and his role has become even more significant. The left-arm spinner has been a consistent performer for India, picking up 82 wickets in 85 T20I matches at an economy rate of 7.24 and an impressive average of 21.92.

Axar’s value extends beyond his bowling, as he has also contributed 681 runs in 52 innings, including a half-century. Coming into the series after strong performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Axar’s all-round abilities will be vital against a competitive Kiwi side.

1. Hardik Pandya

The veteran all-rounder Hardik Pandya completes the list of players to watch. Pandya has been in excellent form in domestic cricket, delivering impactful performances for Baroda in both the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He also impressed everyone in the recently concluded T20I series against South Africa, where he scored two crucial half-centuries that played a key role in India’s victories.

In T20Is, Pandya has scored 2,002 runs in 97 innings, including seven fifties, and has also claimed 101 wickets in 112 bowling innings, with three four-wicket hauls. His experience and match-winning ability make him a vital asset and a definite player to watch in the series.