IND vs NZ, 1st T20I: India-New Zealand match abandoned due to rain in Wellington

The first T20 International of the three-match series between India and New Zealand was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to incessant rain here on Friday. India are set to play two more T20Is, followed by three ODIs as part of their tour of New Zealand.

Both the teams had come to Australia after being knocked out at the semi-final stage of the T20 World Cup. While India lost to eventual champions England, New Zealand lost to Pakistan.

In the absence of regular skipper Rohit Sharma, premier all-rounder Hardik Pandya is leading the Indian T20 team while wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant is the vice-captain.

Apart from Rohit, star batsman Virat Kohli and opener KL Rahul have also been rested for the tour. Shubman Gill, Umran Malik, Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson have been given chances as senior players have been rested.

After the T20 World Cup, the entire coaching staff including head coach Rahul Dravid has also been given a break.

NCA chief VVS Laxman has been appointed the Indian coach for the tour.

The next T20 will be played at Mount Maunganui on Sunday.

Originally published at Pen 18