India wrapped up the T20I series vs Black Caps in emphatic fashion, and there is a great deal for them to take away from it. Looking at India first, it never really felt, even before this set of five matches leading into a T20 World Cup year, that they were a side desperately searching for answers. They have appeared settled for some time, and this series only reinforced that view. Going into a major tournament, there are always going to be a few selection calls that still need ironing out, but what stands out with this Indian side is that those questions are minimal. They are largely clear about the final XI they want to back and, just as importantly, the method they intend to stick with.
One of the strongest indicators of that clarity is the consistency of their batting performances. Scoring close to, or above, 200 runs in most games has become almost routine for them. The batting order now feels well established, with players understanding their roles and the tempo expected of them.
The one area that does need to be addressed revolves around Sanju Samson. That situation, however, is not overly complicated. If Tilak Varma is fit, available for selection, and considered ready to slot straight back into the side, then the solution is fairly straightforward. In that scenario, Tilak comes back in, and Ishan Kishan can move up the order to open alongside Abhishek Sharma. That combination neatly keeps the top three intact and maintains the balance India seem keen on.
If Tilak Varma is not fit, then the temptation would be to persist with Samson. Despite being slightly out of form, he is an experienced and high-quality opening batter. Backing him in that role would make sense, given his pedigree and the belief that form can return quickly, especially in familiar conditions. Between those two options, India have flexibility without needing to overhaul their structure, which again underlines how settled this side already is.
When considering what India have learned from the series against New Zealand, attention inevitably turns to the bowling attack. For me, Varun Chakaravarthy has to play. He featured only in a handful of games, partly due to rotation, but his value is clear. Alongside him, Kuldeep Yadav should also remain part of the XI. Even though Kuldeep has not necessarily been at his very best recently, he is important to the overall balance of the attack. Sometimes form can fluctuate, but class and skill remain, and tournaments like a T20 World Cup often hinge on trusting players who can deliver on the biggest stage.
Certain selections feel virtually locked in. Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya will play; there is little doubt about that. With Chakaravarthy also in, the attack
starts to take shape. Axar Patel comes into the equation as well, offering control, variation and depth with the bat. The question mark is whether India need an additional specialist bowler beyond that, or whether they lean further into batting depth and all-round options.
It is a genuinely tough call. Looking ahead, it would be surprising if batting does not dominate the upcoming T20 World Cup. Runs are likely to flow, and totals will continue to be pushed higher. That puts pressure on teams to decide which bowlers they trust most to perform under relentless scrutiny. My feeling remains that Kuldeep should be part of the playing XI, and that once again brings the focus back to balance. The series against New Zealand highlighted just how crucial that balance will be. Decisions at the margins could mean that someone like Rinku Singh might miss out, which would be unfortunate, but these are the kinds of hard calls strong teams have to make.
In terms of the broader composition, players like Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel would all be included, providing power, flexibility and multiple skill sets. That, for me, is how the side would line up and what the key lessons from the series point towards. Importantly, India are not scrambling to fix major flaws. There is no sense of panic or radical change. Instead, it feels like fine-tuning around the edges. Suryakumar Yadav’s good touch with the bat is another positive, and that form will only help him as captain, giving him confidence and authority heading into the tournament. Overall, most things appear to be falling into place for India.
Turning to New Zealand, the series offered its own set of learnings, even though the final scoreline of 4–1 suggests a one-sided contest. Their bowling attack was relatively inexperienced, yet it coped reasonably well under difficult circumstances. The raw numbers were against them, but touring India is never easy, particularly for young and inexperienced players. In that context, there were encouraging signs, and the exposure itself will prove valuable. The series also underlined the need for a bit more depth, something New Zealand will be keen to address moving forward.
At the top of the order, Devin Conway and Rachin Ravindra were absolutely crucial. They form the backbone of the batting in the top three, and their importance was clear throughout the series. Ravindra, in particular, brings added value with the ball, even though the series did not showcase the very best of him. Conway, too, will feel there is more to come. Glenn Phillips batting higher up the order is another aspect I hope New Zealand stick with going into the T20 World Cup. His impact potential is significant, and giving him that responsibility could pay dividends. Daryl Mitchell continued his strong form, providing stability and experience in the middle order.
New Zealand were also without Lockie Ferguson for most part of the series, which was a notable absence. The understanding is that this was about managing and looking after their faster bowlers. Ferguson playing in the World Cup will be a massive boost. Mitch Santner remains a class act and a strong leader, while Ish Sodhi could also come into the equation. Taken together, these factors suggest that New Zealand should not be discounted, despite being well beaten in this particular series.
Ultimately, this series was a good preparation for both teams. It might sound slightly odd given New Zealand lost 4–1, but they will have gleaned a lot from the experience. They have several players with extensive IPL exposure, so they understand Indian conditions well, and that familiarity will serve them in the months ahead. For India, the series reinforced their stability and clarity. For New Zealand, it highlighted areas to develop while also offering reassurance that they remain a side to watch as the T20 World Cup approaches.
