The India vs New Zealand 5th T20I on 31 January 2026 promises a thrilling finale in the five-match T20 series at the Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram. The coastal venue will play host to this high-stakes encounter, as both teams prepare to fine-tune their combinations ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
The final T20I between India and New Zealand will be played at Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram, featuring a balanced pitch that offers assistance to both pace and spin bowlers while still being competitive for batters. India’s XI includes Sanju Samson (WK), Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah. New Zealand’s lineup features Devon Conway, Tim Seifert (WK), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (C), Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi and Jacob Duffy. A key Indian player is making a comeback from injury, adding depth to the batting order. Toss is scheduled at 6:30 PM IST, with live coverage on Star Sports and Jio Hotstar.
🏟️ Venue & Pitch Report
The Greenfield International Stadium in Kerala is known for its balanced track that offers something for both batters and bowlers. Early movement under lights tends to aid pace bowlers, while the surface can slow down in the middle overs — giving spinners a useful role if batters fail to capitalise early. Average first-innings scores here hover around the mid-140s, indicating a competitive yet challenging surface for T20 cricket.
Traditionally, teams chasing have coped well due to dew and increasing grip for stroke-players in the latter half. Captains winning the toss might prefer to bowl first to exploit early conditions and chase a target under lights.
🌡️ Weather & Conditions
Evening conditions in Thiruvananthapuram are expected to be pleasant and warm, with very low chances of rain. Humidity levels near the Arabian Sea could assist seam movement in the opening overs, but overall it should be a perfect night for a full T20 contest.
📋 Playing XI – India & New Zealand
🇮🇳 India Predicted XI
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Abhishek Sharma – Explosive left-hander
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Rinku Singh – Aggressive middle-order presence
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Suryakumar Yadav (C) – T20 maestro
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Ishan Kishan – Dynamic batter (likely selected ahead of struggling Samson)
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Sanju Samson (wk) – Local favourite from Kerala
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Hardik Pandya – All-round match-winner
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Axar Patel (VC) – Spin all-rounder
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Harshit Rana – Seam threat
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Jasprit Bumrah – Strike bowler
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Arshdeep Singh – Swing bowler
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Kuldeep Yadav – Predicted spin option
🇳🇿 New Zealand Predicted XI
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Devon Conway (wk)
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Tim Seifert (wk)
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Rachin Ravindra – Key top-order batter
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Glenn Phillips – Middle-order power
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Mark Chapman – Explosive hitter
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Daryl Mitchell – Dependable all-rounder
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Mitchell Santner (C) – Spin general
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Zak Foulkes – Bowling all-rounder
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Matt Henry – Strike fast bowler
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Ish Sodhi – Leg spin specialist
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Jacob Duffy – Seam option
These XIs reflect likely combinations based on squad announcements and recent form, though final selections will depend on toss decisions and last-minute fitness checks.
🩹 Injury & Squad Updates
India:
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Tilak Varma and Washington Sundar were initially ruled out of the T20I series due to injury and fitness concerns, leading to Shreyas Iyer and Ravi Bishnoi being named as replacements earlier in the tour.
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In a big boost, reports suggest a key Indian player has recovered from injury ahead of the 5th T20I and is expected to play, adding depth to India’s batting and bowling resources.
New Zealand:
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New Zealand have welcomed reinforcements including experienced pacers Matt Henry and others — giving their bowling unit added firepower.
Availability and selection debates continue, especially around wicketkeeper spots and combinations with the T20 World Cup in sight.
🔥 Key Matchups & Strategy
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India’s Top Order vs NZ Pacers: Abhishek Sharma and Rinku Singh will look to negate early swing/variation from Matt Henry and Duffy.
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Suryakumar Yadav’s Form: The Indian captain has rediscovered form and will anchor the innings if the top order falls early.
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New Zealand’s Middle Order: Phillips, Ravindra and Mark Chapman will be crucial in setting or chasing competitive totals.
Fielding and death bowling decisions — particularly by Bumrah and Arshdeep — could tilt the balance either way.
