IND vs NZ 5th T20I Playing 11: Suryakumar Yadav-led India will square off against Mitchell Santner-led New Zealand in the 5th match of the T20I series on January 31 at Greenfield International Cricket Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram.

The ongoing T20I series will be a crucial preparation for the upcoming Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in February.

The Men in Blues secured the series with a 3-1 lead and will be aiming to extend their dominance against the Blackcaps. Meanwhile, New Zealand will be aiming for a win ahead of the ICC event next month.

First, India secured a stunning 48-run victory in the first T20I and secured a stunning 7-wicket victory in the 2nd game. In the 3rd T20Is, Suryakumar’s side secured an 8-wicket victory, completing the 200+ run chase in the 10 overs.

New Zealand secured a stunning 53-run victory against India at Vishakapatnam. India won the toss and opted to bat. Speaking at the toss, Suryakumar Yadav said, “We are going to bat first. We were here last night. There were a lot of dew. So we want to test our bowlers if we’re good defending the total. It’s a good wicket.”

“We had a good session last night and the curator said it’s going to play true for the next 40 overs. Axar comes back, Ishan comes back and one more. Don’t worry Thiruvananthapuram, Sanju Samson is playing tonight,” added SKY.

“He’s (Tilak) just taking his time to play a few practice games. He’s been a good player for us. When he comes back, it’s going to be a solid side. But yeah, we’re really, really waiting for itWe are waiting for him.”

“We’ve almost covered all the departments, batting, bowling and fielding. But yeah, every time you do something, you try and learn something out of it and then take it to the next game,” he concluded.

Ishan Kishan has been included in the Today Indian Cricket Team Players list, along with Axar Patel.

Meanwhile Mitchell Santner said, “It might not be too dewy tonight. We have got four changes – Allen in for Conway, Neesham is in for Chapman, KJ and Lockie are in. It is always nice to have them back. And it is an opportunity to see what they have got.”

IND vs NZ 5th T20I Playing 11

India Playing 11: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson(w), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah

New Zealand Playing 11: Tim Seifert(w), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Bevon Jacobs, Mitchell Santner(c), Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy