The final T20I between India and New Zealand is taking place at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. Captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and chose to bat first, aiming to test India’s ability to defend a score with heavy dew expected later in the evening.
With the series already decided at 3-1, this match serves as a crucial preparation for the T20 World Cup 2026. India has brought back key players who were absent from the last game, creating a strong lineup. The atmosphere is lively, especially since local player Sanju Samson is making his first international appearance at his home ground.
IND vs NZ, 5th T20I: Suryakumar Yadav updates on Tilak Varma ahead of T20 World Cup 2026
A key topic during the toss was the absence of Tilak Varma, who is still recovering from abdominal surgery. Captain Suryakumar provided a positive update, saying, “He’s (Tilak) just taking his time to play a few practice games. He’s been a good player for us. When he comes back, it’s going to be a solid side. But yeah, we’re really, really waiting for him.”
Although Varma is out for the entire New Zealand series to prioritize his long-term health, there is good news regarding his recovery. He has started high-intensity training at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru after undergoing successful surgery earlier in January. Recent videos show him batting against fast bowlers, indicating he’s in the final phase of rehabilitation.
