India will look to end the five-match T20I series on a positive note when they face New Zealand in the final game at Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday. After clinching the series by winning the first three matches, the hosts suffered a 50-run defeat in the fourth T20I and will aim to bounce back strongly in their last outing before the T20 World Cup.
The match could be crucial for Sanju Samson, who will be playing in front of his home crowd. The wicketkeeper-batter has managed only 40 runs in four games and will be eager to regain form as he opens alongside Abhishek Sharma.
Ishan Kishan is expected to return to the XI at No. 3, with skipper Suryakumar Yadav slotting in at No. 4. Shivam Dube’s all-round role remains key, while Axar Patel is likely to make a comeback after recovering from a finger injury. The bowling attack is expected to feature Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy.
