India vs New Zealand 2017: India's probable XI for first T20I

All-rounders

Pandya might have to shoulder more responsibility with the bat

Hardik Pandya

The limelight has been on Hardik Pandya ever since he made his international debut and while he has continued to deliver, he knows that he can't take anything for granted. After a stellar ODI series against Australia, his performances have dipped in the T20I series and the recently-concluded ODI series against New Zealand.

The all-rounder from Baroda will know that such is the competition for places that if he doesn't keep performing, he could soon find himself out of the side, much like Kedar Jadhav, who didn't make it to the T20I squad to face New Zealand.

Axar Patel

The exclusion of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja has meant that Axar Patel has got more opportunities in the last two series. While Kohli has been committed at times to playing two wrist spinners, Axar Patel has shown the control that he can bring with the ball.

That coupled with his hitting ability means that he looks set to continue in the side as the second spinner.