IND vs NZ 2026: India likely to rest Hardik Pandya; Axar Patel, Ishan Kishan set for return

Published - 31 Jan 2026, 12:39 IST | Updated - 31 Jan 2026, 13:21 IST

Team India head into the fifth and final T20I against New Zealand in Thiruvananthapuram with the series already sealed, but the host side could make a few changes as they look to fine-tune combinations ahead of the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

With the fourth match going New Zealand’s way after a disappointing outing, the Men in Blue are expected to use this dead rubber to experiment with player combinations and manage workloads before the marquee event. One of the key talking points ahead of the match is the return of wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan, as per reports.

Kishan sat out the fourth T20I with a niggle but has trained well ahead of the final game and looks set to be available for selection. All-rounder Axar Patel is also in contention after missing most of the series due to a finger injury, with the management likely to give him an outing in the final game. That could open the door for the vice-captain to slot straight back into the playing XI, potentially at the expense of a pacer.

Another important change will be due to the workload management for Hardik Pandya. The all-rounder has been used sparingly with the ball in this series, and resting him in the final T20I remains a possibility to ensure he is fresh for the opening clash against the United States of America in the twenty-team tournament.

Mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who has been bowling consistently in the nets and pushing for inclusion, may also feature in the Thiruvananthapuram fixture if the conditions suit a spin-heavy attack.

For New Zealand, changes are also possible as they look to test different combinations before their World Cup opener. Finn Allen, fresh from a strong Big Bash League campaign, is expected to open the batting, while Devon Conway’s spot is up for contention. Meanwhile, James Neesham also seems certain to make the final cut for the tie on Saturday.

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There is also uncertainty over the involvement of BlackCaps' Michael Bracewell due to a minor strain that occurred during the ODI series. The fifth T20I will be India’s last international game before the T20 World Cup, offering both sides a final chance to experiment and build momentum ahead of the marquee event.

Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Arshdeep Singh