The BCCI will have the option to make changes to the selected 15-member squad until the start of the T20 World Cup on February 7. Earlier this year, during the Champions Trophy, Varun Chakravarthy was brought in for Yashasvi Jaiswal after slow pitches in Dubai were taken into account.

T20 World Cup 2026 could be Suryakumar's final assignment as India's T20 skipper

Although there has been no confirmation from BCCI, but the global event in India could turn out to be Suryakumar's final assignment as India's T20 skipper. At 35, he has struggled for form over the past year.

The committee is gearing to name the T20 squad for the New Zealand series, which is expected to be identical to the squad selected for the T20 World Cup.

For the time being, there aren't any slots up for grabs, although Gill's position has repeatedly come under scanner while an in-form Yashasvi Jaiswal waits in the wings.

It is yet to be seen whether the selectors include Jaiswal as an additional player for the New Zealand series, allowing them to assess him in case he is required during the T20 World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

Reserve opener's spot is currently held by Sanju Samson

The reserve opener's spot is currently held by Sanju Samson, who was unfairly sidelined despite performing well, after the selection committee and a key member of the team's think-tank chose to change a setup that wasn't broken.

If the T20 World Cup were six months away, the selection committee would likely have explored alternative leadership options.

What has favored Suryakumar, however, is the early scheduling of the T20 World Cup and the dip in form of his deputy Shubman Gill, who was being considered as a potential all-format captain after taking charge of the Test and ODI teams.

With just five games ahead of India's opening T20 World Cup match against the United States in Mumbai on February 7, the selection panel is unlikely to disrupt the existing continuity.

Although the same 15 players will be picked for the home series against New Zealand and in the T20 World Cup, Jaiswal's inclusion is almost certain, given his versatility in T20 cricket compared to both Gill and Samson.

However, with Samson now serving as the second wicketkeeper (Jitesh Sharma being the first-choice stumper and finisher) and Gill elevated to vice-captain, it is challenging for Jaiswal to make it into the 15, as he does not occupy any other specialized role.