IND vs NZ: Why is Prithvi Shaw Not Playing Today’s India vs New Zealand 1st T20I? Check India’s Playing XI

The T20I series between India and New Zealand will kick start on Friday (27th January) in Ranchi. The focus will then shift two the second and third games to be played on 29th January and 1st February respectively in Lucknow and Ahmedabad.

IND vs NZ: Why is Prithvi Shaw Not Playing Today’s India vs New Zealand 1st T20I?

The first T20I between India and New Zealand is just a few minutes away from now. Hosts skipper Hardik Pandya won the toss and decided to field first in a ground, which is considered as a good chasing ground. India have left out Prithvi Shaw, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jitesh Sharma and Mukesh Kumar for the first game.

While the playing XI was liked by many but few eyebrows were raised after Shaw was not named in the side for the first game. Many expected him to play as he has been one of the best young players doing the rounds.

Shaw made a comeback into the Indian side after almost 1.5 years. He last played for India in Sri Lanka in 2021. However, skipper Hardik Pandya clearly mentioned ahead of the first T20I against Sri Lanka in the pre-match presser that the Mumbaikar have to wait for his chances.

He said that both Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan have been batting staggeringly well and therefore team needs to give them the longer, which is the potential reason why Prithvi Shaw isn’t playing the first game.

Shaw not getting chance in the team didn’t go well with many fans, who gave some disappointing reactions. Here are some of them:

Sai baba is watching you Hardik

— Shivani (@meme_ki_diwani) January 27, 2023

No @PrithviShaw in ist t-20 Hard call not to include him @BCCI @vikrantgupta73

— Suresh Jamwal (@srshjmwl) January 27, 2023

It seems unfair to Prithvi Shaw. He is currently the best option for the opener position. #INDvsNZ

— Vipin Tiwari (@vipintiwari952_) January 27, 2023

Prithvi Shaw in the last two IPL seasons – Average: 30.48, strike rate: 156.79

Shubman Gill in the last two IPL seasons – Average: 31, strike rate: 125.29

— Ben Gardner (@Ben_Wisden) January 27, 2023

#ASKSTAR @StarSportsIndia
Prithvi Shaw deserved a chance, after his triple century in the Ranji Trophy. So disheartened to see him benched.

— Jatin Kala (@Kala4Jatin) January 27, 2023

India elect to bowl first. As expected Prithvi Shaw will have to wait for his opportunity. Kuldeep prefered over Yuzi Chahal. #INDvsNZ #INDVsNZT20 pic.twitter.com/d9qOuM0Ub4

— Debasis Sen (@debasissen) January 27, 2023

IND vs NZ: Check India’s Playing XI for the first T20I against New Zealand 

Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan will open the batting whereas Rahul Tripathi, Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya will bat in the middle. Deepak Hooda along with Washington Sundar will handle the finishing role whereas Kuldeep Yadav will be the spinner alongside three young pacers in Shivam Mavi, Arshdeep Singh and Umran Malik. Here’s India’s Playing XI for the first T20I against New Zealand:

Ishan Kishan(w), Shubman Gill, Rahul Tripathi, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya(c), Deepak Hooda, Washington Sundar, Shivam Mavi, Kuldeep Yadav, Umran Malik, Arshdeep Singh