India and New Zealand set for T20I series opener

India and New Zealand are scheduled to open their five-match T20I series at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on October 22, with both teams facing selection decisions ahead of the first match. India captain Shreyas Iyer leads a squad that includes experienced seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, returning to the T20I team after last playing in November 2022, and young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Iyer said Kumar’s experience would help a bowling group that had included many newer players. He also said Sooryavanshi could benefit from exposure to overseas conditions, while India’s established openers were scoring consistently. India’s likely combinations remain uncertain. Varun Chakaravarthy is expected to return from injury, but his role in the side has not been settled. Naman Dhir could make way if the team chooses two seam-bowling all-rounders, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shivam Dube. These are pre-match possibilities, not confirmed selections. New Zealand will be led by Mitchell Santner. One report says Josh Clarkson and Blair Tickner replaced injured Mark Chapman and Zak Foulkes in the squad. New Zealand also have pace options including Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson. Duffy said...