India chased down the 209-run target set by New Zealand, with 4.4 overs to spare to take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan face a key test as India take on New Zealand in the second T20I at Raipur, eyeing World Cup momentum.
Defending champions India have unveiled a well-rounded 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup
Tournament co-hosts India will be out to defend their Twenty20 World Cup title in familiar home conditions next month.
Iyer, who returned to international action after a long injury layoff following a spleen laceration with internal bleeding sustained during the third ODI against Australia in Sydney in October last year, said he was delighted to begin the series on a winning note.
Jadeja went wicketless in the first two ODIs against New Zealand (0/44 and 0/56) in the ongoing series and could scalp only one batter in the preceding three-match series against South Africa at home.
From the USA to UAE, Canada to Italy, Indian-origin cricketers will represent associate nations at the T20 World Cup. Meet the Desis chasing global glory at a home away from home.
India vs New Zealand, 3rd T20, Guwahati: Abhishek blitz hands India series win
The eight players who featured in India's World Cup triumph in 2024 will aim to repeat their magic from two years ago.
Vijay Hazare: Pant's unbeaten half-ton in big Delhi win over Services; Axar hits century for Gujarat
At this moment, the Indian think tank is doing a tough balancing act of building the team around a new set of players without completely cutting ties with the old guard.
'Beating India here is never easy, in any format. To do it with this group makes it very special for New Zealand cricket.'
Skipper Suryakumar Yadav would want the attacking batter in him to front up and bolster his leadership against New Zealand when the five-match T20I series gets underway in Nagpur on Wednesday, serving as a final dress rehearsal for India's World Cup title defence in less than three weeks' time.
Reflecting on the defeat, Markram acknowledged the challenging conditions but stressed the need for adaptability.
All-rounder Axar Patel was named vice-captain of the squad, which also saw the return of in-form Ishan Kishan, who pipped Jitesh Sharma as the second wicketkeeper behind Sanju Samson.
Quoting reliable sources, PTI reported that a very close family member of the bowler is currently hospitalised, prompting the cricketer to return home.
'You also know that Gambhir has an aura, the way he comes and takes the team along. I was just talking about that.'
India's absolute dominance at home will come under examination when they meet a determined New Zealand in the decisive third ODI at the high-scoring Holkar Stadium in Indore on Sunday, with the three-match series locked at 1-1.
Shubman Gill is set to make a comeback during the upcoming five-match T20I series against South Africa, starting in Cuttack, on December 9.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India had advised both veterans to play domestic cricket to remain in contention for ODI selection ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
These comments come after India recently announced their squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026. Suryakumar Yadav is set to lead India in his first-ever ICC tournament as captain, with Axar Patel named as his deputy.
Virat Kohli's stroke-filled 91-ball 93 set up India's win in the series opener against New Zealand.
Harshit Rana was on Wednesday reprimanded and handed out one demerit point by the ICC for his aggressive behaviour after dismissing South African batter Dewald Brevis during the first ODI.
K L Rahul's unbeaten ton was eclipsed by Daryl Mitchell's splendid 131 not out as New Zealand levelled the three-match series 1-1 with a seven-wicket win in the second ODI.
The indefatigable duo of Rishabh Pant and Mohammed Siraj is expected to be the big talking point on Saturday when the selectors pick a 15-member Indian ODI squad for a three-match series against New Zealand starting January 11 in Vadodara.
India all-rounder Axar Patel was on Monday ruled out of the remaining two T20 Internationals against South Africa due to illness with the BCCI's selection committee naming Shahbaz Ahmed as his replacement.
Delhi storm into VHT quarterfinals from Group D
With the T20 World Cup less than two months away, India would want their captain Suryakumar Yadav to rediscover his rhythm sooner rather than later.
A toe injury suffered before the fourth T20I is set to keep Gill out of the final T20I here as India would want to take a cautious route, more so when there is a ready replacement for the top order slot in Sanju Samson.
Rana and Sundar also spoke of their respective spells and how they helped India script victory in Sydney.
Harshit Rana's debut as a concussion substitute became a central talking point, overshadowing India's series-clinching 15-run victory and its unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series.
The Indian selectors will be announcing the team for the three-match ODI series against the Black Caps, starting January 11 in Vadodara and there have been speculations about whether Pant can hold on to his place in the squad.
Virat Kohli has two hundreds and a fifty in his last three innings, while Rohit Sharma has a hundred and two fifties in his last four outings.
Arshdeep and Rana snared two wickets apiece in tight spells during a clinical performance.
I won't be able to play freely if I focus on criticism: Harshit Rana
Ruturaj Gaikwad made an unbeaten fifty following Harshit Rana's three-wicket burst as India A crushed South Africa A by nine wickets in the second unofficial ODI in Rajkot on Sunday.
IMAGES from the 3rd T20I between India and South Africa in Dharamsala on Sunday.
Rana was picked in the team in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah.
Virat and Rohit have made oppositions look silly, fun to see them in dressing room: KL Rahul
Arshdeep Singh -- statement spells against SA shows need to give pacer consistent ODI outings
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