itstargetnews
Between the fifth and final T20I India and New Zealand The stage is set for a high-octane final of the series at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. team leader Suryakumar Yadav Won the toss on a clear night and elected to bat first, a tactical decision aimed at testing India’s ability to defend the innings in the heavy dew expected later tonight.
The series has been sealed 3-1, the “last rehearsal” before this game 2026 T20 World Cup India is back with a nearly full squad, welcoming back key players who missed the previous game. The atmosphere in Thiruvananthapuram was electric, especially with local hero Sanju Samson retaining his starting spot in his first international appearance at home.
IND vs NZ, 5th T20I: Suryakumar Yadav provides crucial Tilak Varma update ahead of 2026 T20 World Cup
The main topic in the discussion is the continued absence Tilak VarmaRehabilitation after abdominal surgery remains a priority for the Indian medical team. Captain Suryakumar gave fans a reassuring update: “He (Tilak) just took his time and played a few practice games. He’s been a great player for us. It’s going to be a solid team when he comes back. But, yeah, we’re really, really waiting for him.”
While the southpaw 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 the Indian fans. Varma successfully underwent abdominal surgery in early January and has officially resumed high-intensity training at the training ground. BCCI Center of Excellence (CoE) In Bangalore. Recent footage from the CoE shows him hitting the ball at full speed with his trademark smooth batting rhythm, suggesting he is in the final, most critical stage of his recovery.
— mipaltanmedia (@mipaltanmedia) January 30, 2026
Meanwhile, India strengthened its final line-up by bringing back its final line-up. Axar PatelFinally recovered from the finger injury suffered in the series opener, Ishan Kishanhe has shaken off the trouble that kept him out of the 4th T20I. These contents, and return Varun Chakravartysignaling India’s intention to end the series with a dominant 4-1 scoreline while ensuring their core group finds the necessary rhythm ahead of the global tournament starting next week.
Also read: Rohit Sharma picks ‘key players’ for India in T20 World Cup 2026
Finn Allen et al return for T20I final: New Zealand make last-ditch effort to balance momentum
new zealand skipper Mitchell Santner Heading into the T20I finals, the team had undergone a massive roster shake-up, welcoming back a number of senior players while resting other players as a “precautionary” measure. The Blackcaps made four major changes, most notably the introduction of find alan (for Devin Conway) and Rocky Fergusonwho replaces Matt Henry. Addressing Henry’s absence, Santner clarified that it was a strict precaution to keep the veteran pacer fresh for the World Cup after a tough series.
The visiting team also made its debut Bevin Jacobsa sensation in the country super smashwho enters the middle order Mark Chapmanalthough Kyle Jamieson Returns to replace Zachary Fox. Santner pointed out, “We had four changes, Allen for Conway, Bevin Jacobs for Chapman, Kyle Jamison for Fox, Rocky for Henry. It’s just precautionary stuff. It’s a chance to see what they have.” A revamped New Zealand attack, featuring the pace of Ferguson’s 150 and the explosiveness of Allen, represented their strongest attempt yet at balancing the momentum and spoiling Sanju Samson’s homecoming party in Thiruvananthapuram.
