India's predicted playing XI for the 1st T20I against New Zealand

All Rounders - Vijay Shankar and Hardik Pandya

A lot will be expected from Hardik Pandya

Vijay Shankar played an instrumental role in India's win in the 5th ODI. The all rounder was thankfully given another chance to express himself and he showed his maturity and class as he patiently rescued India, along with Rayudu, and stroked his way to 45 runs off 64 balls and was unlucky to get run out.

Shankar didn't get a chance to bat in the other matches and it would've been unfair if he didn't get to do so and was dropped due to lack of runs.

He's most likely to feature in the playing XI ahead of Krunal Pandya as the Wellington pitch clearly supports pace bowlers more than spinners. Shankar is more than handy with the bat and has hit some lusty blows in the IPL and will add some depth to the Indian batting line-up.

Hardik Pandya completed a great comeback to the Indian side after he smashed a 22-ball 45 in the 5th ODI and picked up two key wickets. Pandya proved why he's such an integral part of the side and will be their third seamer ahead of Vijay Shankar.

India will expect some big shots from him towards the latter end of the innings. He has also been electric on the field and will be the one to keep an eye on at all times.