The 5th and final T20I between India and New Zealand at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram has set the stage for a high-octane series finale. Captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss on a clear evening and elected to bat first, a tactical decision aimed at testing India’s ability to defend a total under the heavy dew expected later tonight.
With the series already sealed at 3-1, this ‘final dress rehearsal’ before the T20 World Cup 2026 sees India returning to a near full-strength lineup, welcoming back key players who missed the previous outing. The atmosphere in Trivandrum is electric, especially with local hero Sanju Samson retaining his spot in the XI for his first-ever international appearance on his home ground.
IND vs NZ, 5th T20I: Suryakumar Yadav provides vital Tilak Varma update ahead of T20 World Cup 2026
The major talking point at the toss was the continued absence of Tilak Varma, whose recovery from abdominal surgery remains a top priority for the Indian medical team. Providing a reassuring update for the fans, captain Suryakumar stated, “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 him.”
While 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 highly encouraging for Indian fans. Varma, who underwent a successful abdominal surgery in early January, has officially resumed high-intensity training at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. Recent footage from the CoE showed him batting with his trademark fluency against full-tilt pace, signaling that his rehabilitation is in its final, most crucial phase.
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In the meantime, India have bolstered its lineup for the finale by bringing back Axar Patel, who has finally recovered from the finger injury sustained in the series opener, and Ishan Kishan, who has shaken off the niggle that kept him out of the 4th T20I. These inclusions, alongside the return of Varun Chakaravarthy, signify India’s intent to end the series with a dominant 4-1 scoreline while ensuring their core group finds the necessary rhythm before the global tournament begins next week.
Finn Allen and others returns for the T20I finale: New Zealand’s final push to level the momentum
New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner entered the final T20I with a massive squad reshuffle, welcoming back a host of senior players while resting others as a ‘precautionary’ measure. The Black Caps have made four significant changes, most notably bringing in Finn Allen (for Devon Conway) and Lockie Ferguson, who replaces Matt Henry. Addressing Henry’s absence, Santner clarified that it was strictly precautionary to keep the veteran pacer fresh for the World Cup after a grueling series.
The visitors have also handed a debut to Bevon Jacobs, the sensation of the domestic Super Smash, who slots into the middle order for Mark Chapman, while Kyle Jamieson returns in place of Zakary Foulkes. Santner noted, “We’ve got four changes, Allen in for Conway, Bevon Jacobs is in for Chapman, Kyle Jamieson for Foulkes, and Lockie in place of Henry. It’s just all precautionary stuff. It’s an opportunity to see what they have got.” This revamped Kiwi attack, featuring Ferguson’s 150-click pace and Allen’s explosive power, represents their strongest attempt yet to level the momentum and spoil Sanju Samson’s homecoming party in Thiruvananthapuram.
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