IND vs NZ 2026: ‘Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra won’t make it to the side’ – Aakash Chopra picks New Zealand’s probable XI for T20 World Cup 2026

Aakash Chopra and New Zealand. (Photo Source: Aakash Chopra/IG/Blackcaps)

Aakash Chopra predicted how New Zealand could line up during the upcoming T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, starting on February 7. The former Indian opener said that opening batter Devon Conway would not get a place in the team if he were in the team management.

Conway has scored just 20 runs in three innings in the ongoing five-match T20I series between India and New Zealand. Chopra also mentioned that either Rachin Ravindra or Mark Chapman will get a chance in his playing XI. For the No. 4 slot, the cricketer-turned-commentator kept the in-form Daryl Mitchell.

“There won’t be a place for Devon Conway in this team. In the XI I am trying to make, I might not even keep Rachin Ravindra. I am thinking about keeping one of Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman. Whoever is there, should play at No. 3. I will keep Daryl Mitchell at No. 4,” he said in a video shared on his YouTube channel.

Chopra said that there is no reason to play Conway at the top of the order. He instead suggested wicketkeepers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen to open the batting. Glenn Phillips got the nod at No. 5. Meanwhile, skipper Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell, Jimmy Neesham and Kyle Jamieson were named for positions No. 6 to No. 9.

“Devon Conway is not required. Start with Tim Seifert and Finn Allen. After that, play Glenn Phillips at No. 5. I think playing Glenn Phillips above No. 5 is a bit too high. Then play all-rounders from No. 6 to No. 8. There you will find Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell, Jimmy Neesham and Kyle Jamieson,” he observed.

Chopra opined that because New Zealand have a plethora of spin-bowling all-rounders in their ranks, they don’t need to play Ish Sodhi. Instead, he suggested that they should field the seam-bowling trio of Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, and Jacob Duffy.

“So you can have all-rounders till No. 9. Since you have already played Santner and Bracewell, you won’t be forced to play Ish Sodhi. Then you can go with Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy,” Chopra noted.

Aakash Chopra’s predicted New Zealand XI for T20 World Cup 2026:

Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Mark Chapman/Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell, James Neesham, Kyle Jamieson/Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy.

Disclaimer: This latest news is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.