Hardik Pandya returns to India’s T20I setup as the team faces New Zealand in the first match of the five-game series in Nagpur. After being rested during the ODI series for workload management, Hardik is now back in action with both bat and ball. With the T20 World Cup 2026 approaching, this series holds huge value for India’s preparation.
India began the series in style on 21 January 2026 (Wednesday), defeating New Zealand by 48 runs at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium. In the high-scoring contest, Hardik Pandya contributed a quick 25 off 16 balls and later struck an important wicket of Rachin Ravindra. His all-round impact continues to make him one of India’s most reliable match-winners against the Kiwis.
Over the years, Hardik has delivered valuable cameos with the bat and produced breakthrough spells with the ball against New Zealand. His aggressive middle-order hitting and wicket-taking ability make him a major threat—especially on a balanced venue like Nagpur, where seamers and spinners both get assistance.
Hardik Pandya vs New Zealand T20I Batting Stats
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 14 |
| Innings | 13 |
| Runs | 198 |
| Highest Score | 30* |
| Batting Average | 19.80 |
| Strike Rate | 122.22 |
| 4s / 6s | 15 / 7 |
| Not Outs | 3 |
Match-by-Match Batting Performance vs New Zealand
| Date | Venue | Runs (Balls) | Strike Rate | Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 Mar 2016 | Nagpur | 1 (7) | 14.29 | lbw Santner |
| 01 Nov 2017 | Delhi | 0 (2) | 0.00 | c Latham b Sodhi |
| 04 Nov 2017 | Rajkot | 1 (2) | 50.00 | b Sodhi |
| 07 Nov 2017 | Thiruvananthapuram | 14* (10) | 140.00 | Not Out |
| 06 Feb 2019 | Wellington | 4 (4) | 100.00 | c Mitchell |
| 10 Feb 2019 | Hamilton | 21 (11) | 190.91 | c Williamson |
| 31 Oct 2021 | Dubai | 23 (24) | 95.83 | c Guptill |
| 20 Nov 2022 | Bay Oval | 13 (13) | 100.00 | c Neesham |
| 22 Nov 2022 | Napier | 30* (18) | 166.67 | Not Out |
| 27 Jan 2023 | Ranchi | 21 (20) | 105.00 | c&b Bracewell |
| 29 Jan 2023 | Lucknow | 15* (20) | 75.00 | Not Out |
| 01 Feb 2023 | Ahmedabad | 30 (17) | 176.47 | c Bracewell |
| 21 Jan 2026 | Nagpur | 25 (16) | 156.25 | c Chapman b Jacob Duffy |
Also see: India T20I Records at Vidarbha Cricket Association
Hardik Pandya vs New Zealand T20I Bowling Stats
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 14 |
| Innings | 12 |
| Overs | 31.0 |
| Wickets | 10 |
| Best Bowling | 4/16 |
| Bowling Average | 29.20 |
| Economy Rate | 9.16 |
| Strike Rate | 18.60 |
Match-by-Match Bowling Performance vs New Zealand
| Date | Venue | Figures | Economy | Key Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 Mar 2016 | Nagpur | 0/10 (1 over) | 10.00 | – |
| 01 Nov 2017 | Delhi | 1/11 (1 over) | 11.00 | Williamson |
| 04 Nov 2017 | Rajkot | 0/14 (1 over) | 14.00 | – |
| 07 Nov 2017 | Thiruvananthapuram | 0/11 (1 over) | 11.00 | – |
| 06 Feb 2019 | Wellington | 2/51 (4 overs) | 12.75 | Mitchell, de Grandhomme |
| 08 Feb 2019 | Eden Park | 1/36 (4 overs) | 9.00 | de Grandhomme |
| 10 Feb 2019 | Hamilton | 0/44 (4 overs) | 11.00 | – |
| 31 Oct 2021 | Dubai | 0/17 (2 overs) | 8.50 | – |
| 29 Jan 2023 | Lucknow | 1/25 (4 overs) | 6.25 | Bracewell |
| 01 Feb 2023 | Ahmedabad | 4/16 (4 overs) | 4.00 | Allen, Phillips, Ferguson, Tickner |
| 21 Jan 2026 | Nagpur | 1/20 (2 overs) | 10.00 | Rachin Ravindra |
His 4/16 in Ahmedabad remains one of the finest spells by an Indian all-rounder in T20Is, and once again in Nagpur (2026), he provided a breakthrough just when India needed control in the powerplay.
- His natural hitting ability helps India accelerate in the final overs.
- He breaks partnerships with skiddy short balls and deceptive slower deliveries.
- New Zealand’s middle order—Phillips, Chapman, Mitchell—often struggles against his hard lengths.
- As a senior all-rounder, he provides perfect balance at No. 5.
Also see: Axar Patel vs New Zealand T20I Stats
India enters the T20I series with strong momentum after their dominant win in Nagpur. With Suryakumar Yadav leading the side, Hardik Pandya’s return strengthens both the batting and bowling groups. He is expected to bowl 2–4 overs every match and continue performing the finisher’s role.
Also see: Suryakumar Yadav vs New Zealand T20I Stats
The Nagpur pitch has once again shown its balanced nature—early seam movement, grip for spinners, and value for power-hitting. This makes Hardik’s role even more crucial as India looks to extend their lead in the five-match series.
