Team India will face New Zealand in the three-match T20I series opener today at 12 pm at Sky Stadium, Wellington. India led by star all-rounder Hardik Pandya will witness several young players get an opportunity to showcase their skills on the big stage. The players’ talents and performance could open the way for a change in the approach of India’s batting unit, keeping the T20 World Cup 2024 in mind.

The likes of Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, and Sanju Samson will add more energy and freshness to the squad. These batters can explode at any time in the match. Indian pacers Mohammed Siraj and Umran Malik are expected to deliver big as the New Zealand pitches support the pace very much.

Speaking to the media, stand-in head coach VVS Laxman said that batters are required to play with full freedom and a fearless attitude in the T20 format. But at the same time, it is important to assess the condition and situation and play to fulfill the needs of the team. The NCA chief admitted that multi-dimensional players are the need of the hour in T20, especially bowlers who can bat.

Laxman added that more number of bowlers who can bat adds depth to the batting and it allows the batters to have a lot of freedom to go out and express themselves at the top. The legendary test batter believes more and more teams will try to get that into their selection process. Laxman concluded that his men will look to begin the series with a comprehensive win.