IND vs NZ 2026: Irfan Pathan picks India's playing XI for 1st T20I, star player gets left out

India are all set to play a five-match T20I series against New Zealand, which could serve as ideal preparation for both teams ahead of next month's T20 World Cup. The series will get underway on Wednesday, January 21, at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur.

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan recently predicted India's playing XI for the pulsating series opener in the Orange City. There were no surprises at the top of the order, with Abhishek Sharma opening alongside Sanju Samson. The swashbuckling duo will reunite after Shubman Gill's omission from the side.

Meanwhile, Ishan Kishan is set to play his first international match since November 2023. He will bat at No. 3 in place of the injured Tilak Varma. Out-of-form India skipper Suryakumar Yadav will follow him at No. 4. He confirmed in the pre-match press conference that Kishan will get his opportunity ahead of Shreyas Iyer.

Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel are sure starters in Pathan's playing XI, but he believes that only one between Shivam Dube and Rinku Singh would get the nod.

In the bowling department, Pathan believes that either Arshdeep Singh or Kuldeep Yadav could join Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, and Varun Chakaravarthy.

"Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube/Rinku Singh, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh/Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy," Irfan Pathan said on his YouTube channel.

Can India pick Kuldeep, Chakaravarthy together in playing XI?

Pathan feels that it would be very difficult for India to pick Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy together in the playing XI. If only one has to play, the mystery spinner will be the favourite as he has been in surreal form since his comeback to international cricket in 2024.

"It is very difficult to find a place for both Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy in this playing XI, even Rohit Sharma has admitted this. So, it is not easy for the team management and Surya as well," Irfan Pathan concluded.