Between the 5th and the last T20I India and New Zealand It set the stage for a high-octane series finale at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss on a clear evening and elected to bat first, a tactical decision aimed at testing India’s overall defensive prowess under the heavy dew expected this evening.
With the series already sealed at 3-1, before this ‘final dress rehearsal’ T20 World Cup 2026 It sees India return to an almost full-strength squad, welcoming back key players who missed out on the previous trip. The atmosphere in Trivandrum is electric, especially with local hero Sanju Samson retaining his place in the playing XI for his first international appearance at home.
IND vs NZ, 5th T20I: Suryakumar Yadav gives vital Tilak Varma update ahead of T20 World Cup 2026
The main talking point during the shoot was his continued absence Tilak Varmarecovery from abdominal surgery remains a top priority for the Indian medical team. Giving a reassuring update for the fans, Captain Suryakumar said: “He (Tilak) is just taking time out to play some practice games. He’s been a good player for us. He’ll be a strong side when he comes back. But yeah, we’re really, really looking forward to him.”
Although the left-hander has been ruled out of the entire New Zealand series to ensure his long-term fitness, the news from the medical camp is very encouraging for Indian fans. Having undergone a successful abdominal surgery in early January, Varma has officially resumed high-intensity training. BCCI Center of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. Recent footage of CE has shown him batting with trademark smoothness against a full-tilt pace that suggests he is in the final, most important phase of his rehabilitation.
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Meanwhile, India have strengthened their squad to return to the finals Akhar PatelHe finally recovered from the finger injury he suffered in the series opener and Ishan Kishiwho shook off the niggle that kept him out of the 4th T20I. These inputs are in addition to refunds Varun ChakrabortyIt shows India’s intent to end the series with a 4-1 lead, while ensuring that the core group finds the right rhythm before the global tournament begins next week.
Also READ: Rohit Sharma picks ‘key player’ for India in T20 World Cup 2026
Finn Allen et al return for T20I final: New Zealand’s final push to level the momentum
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner entered the final T20I with a major squad change, welcoming back a number of senior players and resting others as a “precautionary measure”. The Black Hats made four significant changes, the most important of which included Find Allen (for Devon Conway) and Loki Fergusonwho replaces Matt Henry. Commenting on Henry’s absence, Santner said it was a serious precaution to keep the veteran pacer fresh for the World Cup after a tough series.
The visitors also made their debut Bevon Jacobsdomestic feeling Super Smashfor whom it enters the middle order Mark Chapmanwhile Kyle Jamieson Zachary returns to replace Foulkes. Santner noted that “We’ve got four changes, Allen Conway in, Bevon Jacobs in Chapman, Kyle Jamieson in Foulkes and Lockie in Henry’s place. It’s just precautions. It’s an opportunity to see what they’ve got.” Featuring Ferguson’s 150-click pace and Allen’s explosive power, this revamped Kiwi attack represents their strongest attempt yet to set the pace and spoil Sanju Samson’s homecoming party in Thiruvananthapuram.
