IND vs NZ 2026: Indian team players enjoy jungle safari in Nagpur ahead of New Zealand T20Is

Ahead of India's five-match T20I series against New Zealand, the players took a brief break to unwind. Ahead of the series opener in Nagpur, several members of the Indian squad were spotted enjoying a jungle safari in the Vidarbha region.

Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson shared a video from the jungle safari on Instagram, which quickly went viral on social media. The clip featured captain Suryakumar Yadav alongside Ishan Kishan, Ravi Bishnoi, and Rinku Singh. The players were seen riding in an open jeep through a tiger reserve near Nagpur. The video also captured the group stopping for refreshments during the safari before later gathering around a bonfire at their hotel.

Watch the video below:

Tilak Varma ruled out of first three T20Is

Meanwhile, the India-New Zealand T20I series begins on Wednesday, January 21, at the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) Stadium in Nagpur. With the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 just weeks away, the series holds significant importance for the Men in Blue as they look to fine-tune combinations and address recent injury concerns. Suryakumar Yadav heads into the New Zealand series with an impressive record as India’s T20I captain, having won every series he has led so far, including victories against England, Australia, and South Africa. 

The squad also sees the return of notable players, with Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya back in action after being rested during the ODI series. Ishan Kishan has earned a recall following strong domestic performances, marking his return to international cricket after a lengthy absence.

In terms of squad changes, Tilak Varma has been ruled out of at least three matches due to injury, with Shreyas Iyer stepping in as his replacement. Washington Sundar has also been sidelined with a side strain, leading to Ravi Bishnoi’s inclusion in the squad. Bishnoi last featured in a T20I in February 2025.