Wasim Jaffer Names Indian Playing 11 Before IND vs NZ 1st T20I; Leaves Out Prithvi Shaw

After whitewashing the Kiwis 3-0 in the ODI series, team India is set to host New Zealand for a 3-match ODI series. The T20I series between the two teams is set to start on January 27th (Friday) in Ranchi, Jharkhand. The team combination and the Indian playing 11 is under suspense and it would be interesting to see which 11 players Hardik Pandya fields in the 1st T20I. However, former Indian Test opening batter, Wasim Jaffer, has revealed his playing 11 ahead of the first T20I. 

Jaffer has placed Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan in the opening slots, leaving out Prithvi Shaw, who made his comeback to the T20I side after 2 years. Jaffer has trusted Rahul Tripathi and placed him at #3 in the absence of Virat Kohli. #1 T20I batter Suryakumar Yadav has been slotted in the #4 position followed by captain Hardik Pandya. Up next, all-rounders Deepak Hooda and Washington Sundar have been placed at the #6 and #7 slots by Wasim Jaffer. 

Amongst the bowlers, Wasim Jaffer has trusted Shivam Mavi, Umran Malik, Kuldeep Yadav and Arshdeep Singh. Jaffer shocked the fans as he overlooked Yuzvendra Chahal in his playing 11, giving the spot to in-form wrist spinner, Kuldeep Yadav. However, it is still not clear which playing 11 will Hardik Pandya choose for the opening encounter. Since the match is in Ranchi, all eyes will be on the local boy Ishan Kishan and the home fans would expect the youngster to play a big knock. 

Wasim Jaffer's playing 11 for India vs New Zealand 1st T20I:

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Ishan Kishan (w), Shubman Gill, Rahul Tripathi, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya (c), Deepak Hooda, Washington Sundar, Shivam Mavi, Kuldeep Yadav, Umran Malik, Arshdeep Singh.