Abhishek Sharma, the destroyer
The swashbuckling India opener’s ultra-aggressive batting approach set the team up for success often. He scored 182 runs in five outings at 45.50 and a series-topping strike rate of 249.31. While he went for ducks in the second and fourth T20I, Abhishek made up for it with scores of 84, 68 not out and 30 in the
remaining three matches, all of which India won.
Ishan Kishan’s explosive comeback
After being out of the Indian team for over two years, Kishan came back with a bang, scoring 215 runs in just four innings at a whopping average of 53.75 and strike rate of 231.18. The Jharkhand skipper, who scored 517 runs in 10 Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 trophy matches, calling for his return to the national team, registered scores of eight, 76, 28, 103. He signed off in the final outing with a 42-ball century, solidifying his case for a spot in the playing XI for the T20 World Cup.
Skipper Surya returns to form
After a disastrous 2025, the India captain finally found his feet again, emerging as the highest run-getter of the series with 242 runs. The former World No. 1 T20 batter notched up scores of 32, 82 not out, 57 not out, eight and 63, at a staggering average of 80.66. If he continues in this vein, it will only brighten India’s chances of retaining the T20 World Cup.
Rinku, Dube boost lower-order power
While Rinku came out to bat only thrice (at No. 4, 6, and 7), and Dube received four chances (at No 6), both showed the solidity they provide in the latter stage of an innings. Rinku scored 91 runs at a strike rate of 156.89 with scores of 44 not out, 39 and eight not out in the first, fourth and fifth match. On the other hand, Dube scored 117 runs at a strike rate only second to Suryakumar, at 248.93. He scored nine, 36 not out, 65 and seven not out in his four outings. The fast-bowling all-rounder also claimed three wickets in the series.
Bowlers hit the right notes
Between both teams, India were superior with the ball, claiming 37 wickets in five games compared to NZ’s 26. India got wickets through 10 bowlers while eight NZ bowlers were successful. India pacer Arshdeep Singh emerged as the highest wicket-taker with eight scalps. Additionally, six India bowlers operated at an economy under 10, while all of NZ’s wicket-taking bowlers were in excess of 10.
