India are set to begin their New Zealand tour with the first T20I in Christchurch, and the series opener is expected to offer a glimpse into the team management's plans for the shortest format. Captain Shreyas Iyer has already confirmed that teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will have to wait for his chance, leaving the skipper and head coach Gautam Gambhir with a few selection decisions to finalize ahead of Thursday's clash. Bhuvneshwar Kumar's return to the playing XI is another major talking point.

Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma are expected to open the innings, with Iyer confirming the combination during Wednesday's press conference.

Ishan Kishan is likely to bat at number three, followed by Iyer at four. Tilak Varma, who has been entrusted with different responsibilities in the Indian setup over the past year, is expected to play the finisher's role in the middle order.

India face selection dilemma between an extra pacer and a spinner

Naman Dhir is expected to hold on to his place at no. 6 in the order after his good display against West Indies in the previous T20I series. The management can also think of including Shivam Dube as another all-rounder in the squad.

Nitish Kumar Reddy and Axar Patel are also likely to get a spot, giving the team options at both ends.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Arshdeep Singh are the two clear candidates to lead the pace attack. However, the management has to make a tough decision regarding the last bowling slot. With young spinner Varun Chakaravarthy fit to play, the equation changes, with the mystery spinner in a tight race against his fellow pacemen, Mayank Yadav and Prince Yadav.

Speaking of which, conditions in New Zealand can also affect the final decisions, as the surface offers good pace and bounce to the fast men.

India can think of adding one more seamer to supplement Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Arshdeep Singh. Alternatively, Varun would be a handy spinner to have in the middle overs. It would be the decision of Gambhir and Iyer to pick the best combination for the game-opener.

India Playing XI vs New Zealand 1st T20I: Samson (wk), Sharma, Kishan, Iyer (c), Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Prince Yadav/Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh

India Playing XI vs New Zealand 1st T20I: Samson (wk), Sharma, Kishan, Iyer (c), Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Prince Yadav/Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh