KL Rahul is likely to don the gloves in the shortest format as well with Virat Kohli, confirming the possibility of that ahead of the first T20I between New Zealand and India on Friday, January 24, 2020.

The match will be played at Eden Park in Auckland. The match will start at 12:20 PM IST, 6:50 PM NZDT. The match will act as the opening match of the tour of India of New Zealand 2020. The tour consists of five T20Is, three ODIs, and two Tests.

India vs NZ 1st T20I broadcast Star Sports, Hotstar

Star Sports 1 and Star Sports 1 Hindi will broadcast the match live in India and its subcontinent. Hotstar will provide Live streaming of the match via its app and website in the Indian subcontinent.

Sky Sports NZ will broadcast the match live in New Zealand. SkyGo app and website will live stream the match via its app and website in New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

India to seek World Cup semifinal revenge

According to the Cricbuzz report, Kohli came out saying that the team management will look at the possibility of having Rahul as it allows them to play an extra batsman. Manish Pandey could find a spot while Sanju Samson, who replaced Shikhar Dhawan in the side, could also find a place in the XI.

Shivam Debu could also be a good pick with Hardik Pandya not being available.

Rohit returns to the Indian side

Rohit Sharma and Mohammad Shami have also returned to the T20I squad after missing the Sri Lanka series early in January. Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, and Trent Boult's unavailability have left Tim Southee with inexperienced bowling support.

Hamish Bennett has made a comeback to the side after 2017.

Scott Kuggeleijn should also find a place in the side. Kane Williamson would also make his T20 comeback in the form of this match. The pitch is Auckland is as flat as one can imagine. Short boundaries on each side of the wicket make it easy for the batsmen to score freely.

The pitch does have some bounce, and the new ball swings a bit. But, if the batters can overcome that, we could have a high-scoring match on the cards.

Apart from this India match, in another match today Pakistan faces Bangladesh in Lahore in the 1st T20.
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED