As the five-match T20I series between India and New Zealand draws to a close, the focus now shifts to team structure and selection ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. With the series already won by 3-1 margin, India will now be looking to end well against the visiting Black Caps in the fifth and final game in the series to be hosted in the Greenfield stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, on Saturday evening.
Although the outcome may not affect the series result, Thursday’s clash carries significant implications for players vying for a spot in India’s World Cup plans. With the marquee tournament just one week to go, the management of India is likely to tweak combinations, evaluate form and provide chances to players who might have a bearing in the global tournament.
Overview of the Series: India Hold the Edge
India won the first three games to gain an invincible advantage in the series and a brilliant performance of New Zealand in the fourth T20I saw the visitors triumph by fifty-one runs. Tim Seifert, Devon Conway, and Daryl Mitchell’s batting helped New Zealand post a formidable 215/7. Although India lost the match, Shivam Dube’s quick innings highlighted the continued firepower in India’s lower order.
With the series victory already secured, India have the opportunity to experiment, but they still have clear objectives:
- Fitness and combinations in test matches before the T20 world cup.
- Provide key players with an opportunity to accumulate momentum.
- Back players in a good vein of form and also cope with work loads.
The Critical Selection Calls: Who In and Who Out?
Homecoming Chance to Shine Sanju Samson
One of the most talked-about issues for this match is Sanju Samson’s inconsistent form in the series so far. The wicket-keeper batter has scored just 40 runs in four games and will be eager to change that at his home ground in Kerala, marking an emotional and symbolic return. As the world cup team selection draws closer, Samson will be eager to score points in front of the Thiruvananthapuram audience.
According to the NDTV report, Samson would probably have Abhishek Sharma as his opening partner, which would provide the latter with an opportunity to find a rhythm and confidence at the top.
Ishan Kishan: forecasted Return Enhancement
Ishan Kishan, who missed the fourth T20I due to a minor issue, is expected to return to India’s playing XI for the series finale. His return by the management gives the management of India more batting strength, particularly through a top-order aggressive role in No. 3 position, a position that suits his aggressive manner of batter early in the innings.
This return is significant, as India aims to balance experience and explosiveness at the top before the World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next month.
Axar Patel: Fitness Return
Axar Patel’s inclusion is a welcome return and had been sidelined in the previous series because he had injured his finger. The fact that Patel is also a well-rounded player, both in terms of the bat and the ball, provides the team with more balance particularly considering the fact that the conditions at Thiruvananthapuram are usually pro-spin.
Hardik Pandya: Rest & Rotation
Hardik Pandya, who has played all four matches so far, is expected to be rested for the fifth T20I in a strategic decision. This rest is part of workload management ahead of the World Cup, where India will rely on Pandya’s all-round skills in crucial moments.
India vs New Zealand (5 th T20I) Predicted Playing XI
To the current NDTV intuition, India predicted XI in the Thiruvananthapuram match as follows:
- Abhishek Sharma
- Sanju Samson (Wk)
- Ishan Kishan
- Suryakumar Yadav (c)
- Shivam Dube
- Rinku Singh
- Axar Patel
- Varun Chakaravarthy
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Arshdeep Singh
This XI features aggressive batting with a balanced spin and pace attack, led by captain Suryakumar Yadav. The spin department consisting of Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav seems strong. The pace attack is led by world-renowned bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh.
Why This Match Matters
Although the series is already decided, the fifth T20I will serve as an important rehearsal for team strategy and individual roles ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup. A positive showing here can cement the credentials of a player – particularly of those who are on the margins as well as of those who require form prior to the full scale event in February.
- Samson’s form: Strengthening his position in the squad.
- Kishan’s return: Reasserting his aggressive role at No. 3.
- Spin dominance: Testing spin options on a subcontinental pitch.
- Workload management: Rotating players to maintain freshness.
Final Thoughts
India’s team selection for the final T20I reflects a thoughtful mix of opportunity and preparation. Even though the series outcome is settled, the match in Thiruvananthapuram carries significant narrative weight, from form restoration to strategic experimentation. With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, this final encounter is as much a selection litmus test as it is a contest in its own right.
