Team India Players Enjoy Jungle Safari Ahead of T20I Series Against New Zealand
Team India Takes a Break Before T20I Series
Key players from Team India, including captain Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Ravi Bishnoi, and Rinku Singh, took some time off to enjoy a jungle safari in Nagpur. This outing comes just before the first T20I match of the five-match series against New Zealand, set to kick off on January 21 at the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) Stadium.
This T20I series serves as India's last chance to prepare for the T20 World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka starting February 7. Following a disappointing 1-2 loss in the ODI series against New Zealand, the focus now shifts to the T20 format, where the Men in Blue, under Suryakumar Yadav's leadership, aim to recover and refine their game plan ahead of the World Cup.
Jungle Safari Adventure
To relax and bond, Team India players opted for a jungle safari, with Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Rinku Singh, and Ravi Bishnoi visiting the Pench Tiger Reserve near Nagpur. They had the chance to see wildlife, including leopards, while riding in an open jeep.
Sanju Samson shared a video on Instagram showcasing the players enjoying their safari, filled with laughter and refreshments. Later that evening, they gathered around a bonfire at their accommodation, further strengthening their camaraderie before the T20I series against New Zealand.
Nighttime Adventures and Team Spirit
In another video, the players were seen exploring the trails of the Pench Tiger Reserve at night, even camping briefly under the stars before returning to Nagpur for the T20I opener.
As Suryakumar, Samson, Rinku, Ravi, and Ishan arrived in Nagpur ahead of the rest of the squad, they took this opportunity to relax and foster team spirit in a smaller group.
Final Preparations for T20 World Cup 2026
The upcoming T20I series against New Zealand is viewed as a crucial warm-up for Suryakumar Yadav's team, allowing them to finalize their strategies and player combinations ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.
Since their last tournament victory under Rohit Sharma, India has maintained an unbeaten streak in T20I series, making this series vital for maintaining momentum and testing their bench strength.
However, the team faces challenges with Tilak Varma ruled out of the first three T20Is due to an abdominal injury requiring surgery, and Washington Sundar sidelined for the entire series due to a side strain from the first ODI. Shreyas Iyer has been named as Varma's replacement, while Ravi Bishnoi steps in for Sundar.
Tilak Varma's potential return for the last two T20Is will depend on his recovery progress, while Washington Sundar's participation in the T20 World Cup remains uncertain.