Wasim Jaffer Picks India's Playing XI For 1st T20I Against New Zealand

Wasim Jaffer, a former Indian Test cricketer, selected his starting lineup for the opening T20 match against New Zealand on Saturday in Ranchi.

Shubman Gill has had a rocky start to his T20I career, but Jaffer is confident that he can reproduce his ODI form and has chosen to open with him with Ishan Kishan.

India National Cricket Team (Image Credits: Twitter)

On ESPN Cricinfo, Wasim Jaffer offered his thoughts on India’s playing eleven, saying:

“I’m going to start with Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill. Although we haven’t witnessed the same performance from Gill in T20Is, I don’t think it will be long before he begins performing well in T20Is as well. Rahul Tripathi, who batted brilliantly against Sri Lanka, will bat at number three. So I’ll keep working with him”

“Suryakumar Yadav will be ranked fourth, and Hardik Pandya will be ranked fifth. Deepak Hooda, a batsman, and off-spinner will be retained at number six. Washington Sundar is at number seven, Shivam Mavi is at number eight”

“Kuldeep Yadav is at number nine, Umran Malik is at number ten, and Arshdeep Singh is at number eleven. This will most likely be my starting eleven for the first T20I,” Wasim Jaffer added.

“They should win the series by 2-1”: Wasim Jaffer

Wasim Jaffer, a former opener, believes India should win by a score of 2-1 despite asserting that their bowling attack has experience.

“Despite the inexperience of the fast bowlers, I believe that India will win by a score of 2-1. Still, they should win the series by 2-1”

The Kiwis lost the ODI series 3-0 and will be eager to avenge that loss in the T20 format. The Men in Blue ascended to the top of the ICC ODI standings with a 90-run victory in the third match.

Also Read: IND vs NZ: “I Preferred No. 23, But That Was Taken By Kuldeep Yadav” – Ishan Kishan On Selecting His Indian Jersey Number