Predicted New Zealand XI for the 2016 T20 World Cup

New Zealand will aim to go one further in the upcoming T20 World CupWith the T20 World Cup in India next year, the stage is all set for the world to witness magic once again. Though India will be a strong favourite, it will be interesting to see how the other teams are going to perform.The T20 format is such that no one can predict a winner, but everyone would love an underdog story. New Zealand is one team which has always put in remarkable performances without much noise. Let us see how they would go about their team selection in a bid to win an ICC trophy and show everyone that they deserve to be a champion side.

#1 Brendon McCullum (Captain)

Brendon McCullum is the leading run-scorer in T20Is and will be a major threat to all opponents

Here is one man who doesn’t need any introduction. Much loved for his power hitting at the top and friendly persona, Mccullum has a huge fan following in India. No one can easily forget his 158 in the opening IPL match in its first edition.

With tailor made conditions and plenty of experience in playing in the sub-continent, the onus will be on him as he leads an extremely talented side which has performed remarkably well over the past couple of years. He is the highest run scorer in T20 internationals and would want to prove why he is the best in the business.

#2 Martin Guptill

Guptill is one of the few batsmen who have a century in all formats of the game

With a batsman of McCullum at one end, it is extremely important to have someone who can play the anchor role and Guptill seems to be the right man for the role. A right-hand batsman, Guptill is an excellent limited overs batsman and can play according to the match situation.

He is one of the few cricketers to have a century in all formats of the game. With more than 1000 international T20 runs and a healthy strike rate of 123, he is an ideal man to have at the top of the batting order.

#3 Kane Williamson

Williamson has turned into one of the most consistent performers for his team in the recent past

While much has been written about the likes of Virat Kohli, Steven Smith and Joe Root, here is one man who has calmly built his way to the top and has established himself as one of the finest young cricketers presently.

At 25, he offers much-needed balance to the side with his sensible batting and is a handy spin option. An excellent fielder, his exploits and his experience playing in the IPL will help him as he gets ready to shoulder his team’s aspirations of winning the World Cup.

#4 Ross Taylor

Ross Taylor's experience will come in handy

Ross Taylor is a familiar name when it comes to T20. He is a seasoned campaigner and will probably be the most experienced person in the team alongside Brendon McCullum. A wonderful striker of the ball, it is a treat to watch Ross Taylor when he is on song.

His ability to read match situations and play accordingly will prove to be extremely valuable under pressure conditions. His IPL experiences will be extremely useful and at No. 4, he will look forward and pace his innings towards getting a big score which will benefit the team’s prospects extensively.

#5 Corey Anderson

Anderson's all-round abilities makes him a vital player in the shortest format

In the wake of a brilliant limited overs start to his international limited overs career, Corey Anderson became a hot property in the IPL. It is not easy to forget his smashing century against West Indies to break Shahid Afridi’s long-standing record for the fastest ODI century which was later broken by AB de Villiers.

He is someone who can hit the ball a long way and being a left-hander, he can provide variety to the line up. A more than useful left-arm pacer, his services will be valuable in the middle overs.

#6 Luke Ronchi (Wicket Keeper)

Ronchi is a destructive batsman in addition to being a top quality keeper

Luke Ronchi’s career has seen a lot of twists and turns. He is one of the few cricketers who have represented two countries at the highest level. Having played for Australia earlier, Ronchi has shifted bases to New Zealand and has emerged as their frontline wicket keeper.

He is an extremely aggressive batsman and can score at will. Adding to this, he is also a brilliant wicket-keeper and can change the team’s fortunes with this brilliance. He is an ideal man for New Zealand behind and in front of the stumps.

#7 Mitchell Santner

Santner is equally useful with the ball and the bat

Mitchell Santner is a young left-arm orthodox spinner and is an exciting prospect to watch out for. With New Zealand still coping with the retirement of Daniel Vettori, this World Cup will provide the ideal opportunity for Santner to prove his abilities and cement his place in the team.

Though he is relatively a newbie to international cricket, the sub-continental pitches will be an ideal learning curve for him. His spin and variation will be crucial in the middle overs to stem the run flow and break partnerships.

#8 Nathan McCullum

Nathan McCullum is an experienced T20 campaigner

If Brendon McCullum is the highest ranked New Zealand Batsman in T20s, Nathan McCullum is the highest ranked New Zealand bowler in T20s. He is an off-spinning all-rounder. His all-round abilities will provide variety and balance to the Black Caps towards the final overs.

He can hit some lusty blows in the slog overs and can come back to bowl a few game changing overs. Brendon McCullum will need the services of his brother in the middle overs as he has had the knack and experience of playing a lot of T20 matches throughout his career.

#9 Trent Boult

Boult will be looking to continue his 2015 form in the upcoming T20 World Cup

Trent Boult is arguably New Zealand’s best fast bowler at present and his ability to move the ball both ways even under tough conditions makes him a potential threat for all the other teams.

He will definitely play a big role in New Zealand’s prospects. Being a left-armer, he can create a natural angle that will trouble many batsmen and he will look to grab a few quick wickets at the top and provide an early advantage. He will be looking forward to carrying his good form that he has displayed this year.

#10 Adam Milne

Adam Milne can clock speeds of above 150 kph regularly

Adam Milne is a right arm fast bowler who is known for his express speed and fiery spells. He has the ability to bowl above 150 kph consistently and unsettle the batsman. He can bowl first change and build up the pressure after the power play overs.

He is also a very good fielder and can a save a few runs on that front. He is a lethal weapon for the Black Caps and it will be interesting to see how they use him.

#11 Tim Southee

Tim Southee's partnership with Boult will be key to New Zealand's s success with the ball

Tim Southee has slowly developed into New Zealand’s silent hero and their most reliable bowler across all formats. He showed his brilliance during the ICC 50 overs World Cup and produced some brilliant performances.

He has formed a deadly opening bowling combination with Trent Boult with both of them complementing each other beautifully. His ability to swing the ball will help him immensely during the initial overs and can give him a few early breakthroughs. He also can contribute with the bat too by hitting a few meaty blows.