The opening T20I of the three-match series involving India and New Zealand was put off with no ball being bowled on Friday in Wellington because of continual rain that rendered the wicket unfit. As part of their tour of New Zealand, India will play multiple extra T20Is, followed by three ODIs. Both teams have arrived after exiting the semifinal round in the T20 World Cup against Australia. While India was upset by eventual winners England, Pakistan overcame New Zealand.
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Hardik Pandya and Kane Williamson T20I
In the absence of usual skipper Rohit Sharma, the Indian T20 team is led by star all-rounder Hardik Pandya, with wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant functioning as his deputy.
Apart from Rohit, the tour will also see the absence of top batter Virat Kohli and opener KL Rahul.
Shubman Gill, Umran Malik, Ishan Kishan, and Sanju Samson have been offered opportunities as experienced players rest.
After the T20 World Cup, the whole coaching staff, including head coach Rahul Dravid, has been given a sabbatical.
NCA chief VVS Laxman is the new Indian coach for the trip. That this next T20I will be on Sunday in Mount Maunganui.
