IND vs NZ: 1st T20I – All you need to know of the venue

After blanking New Zealand 3-0 in the one-day international series, the Men in Blue now lock horns with the Kiwis in a three-match T20 international series starting from Friday, January 27. The encounter at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi.

Youngster Shubman Gill stole the show throughout the ODI series as he smashed 360 runs in three games and also won the Player of the Series award. The classy right-handed batter became the fifth Indian to smash a double century in the 50-overs format as he achieved the feat in the opening encounter in Hyderabad. He ended the series with another ton in the final match in Indore.

Problems for New Zealand

The Blackcaps, who were without their stalwarts Kane Williamson, Tim Southee, and Trent Boult in the ODIs, will again miss their services for the T20Is. The visitors will be led by all-rounder Mitchell Santner for the upcoming series while the hosts will be captained by Hardik Pandya as they have decided to rest regular skipper Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli.

Talking about India’s record in the shortest international format in Ranchi, they have a 100% track record as they have played three games so far at the venue and won all three of them. Their last victory in the stadium came against the Blackcaps in 2021 when they sealed the contest by seven wickets. Their first win at the venue came in 2016 when they thumped the Lankan Lions by 69 runs courtesy of a half-century from Shikhar Dhawan and a three-wicket haul from R Ashwin.

India’s results in T20Is at the JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi: