India vs New Zealand, T20I 2017: 4 players to watch out for

India was the favourite going into the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, but the contest was far from a breeze - the Kiwis gave the Indian team a good run for its money.

Strategically, New Zealand was miles ahead of the reigning world champions Australia, who didn’t have answers to the brilliance of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal. New Zealand may not appear to have the toughness and aura of teams like England and South Africa, but it possesses the equally notable ability to punch above its weight.

The action now shifts to a format in which the Black Caps have a wonderful record against India - India has never been able to defeat New Zealand in a T20I match.

Here are some players from both sides who could be pivotal to the outcome of the game.

#4 Matt Henry

New Zealand is known for its wicket-taking ability in T20I matches.

Tim Southee struggled in the ODI series against India, and Matt Henry could be an able replacement for him. Henry's performance thus far has been impressive - he has taken 16 wickets in just six ODI games. Plus, his stint with the Kings XI Punjab in the IPL would come in handy against the Indian team.

#3 Shreyas Iyer

Iyer did not get to play against Australia even though he was part of the squad

Shreyas Iyer recently enjoyed a string of successes for India A across all formats, scoring 140*, 65, 108, 82 and 90 against New Zealand A and South Africa A.

In 53 career T20I matches, the right-handed batsman has scored 1,289 runs at an average of 26.85, with a batting strike-rate of 128 and nine fifties. His power-hitting coupled with the ability to face fast bowlers should be watched out for in the upcoming series.

#2 Mohammed Siraj

Siraj plays for the SunRisers Hyderabad in the IPL

This pace bowler put up some great performances in last season's Ranji Trophy (he was the third-highest wicket-taker, with 41 at 18.92 apiece) and Inter State T20 Tournament (nine wickets at 13.88, economy of 6.57).

He was also picked for India A's tour of South Africa where he claimed 10 wickets. Most recently, he featured for India A against New Zealand A.

In 16 career T20Is, the 23-year-old has taken 26 wickets at 18.73 and an economy rate of 7.85.

#1 Colin de Grandhomme

de Grandhomme has proven to ba force to reckon with

With Jimmy Neesham having been dropped and Corey Anderson sidelined after back surgery, de Grandhomme becomes New Zealand’s undisputed No. 1 pace bowling all-rounder. His development over the last 12 months has been impressive, and he is surely the visitors’ biggest advantage heading into the T20I series.

Since making his T20I debut in 2012, de Grandhomme has played eight matches, scoring 75 runs with a high score of 41*. He has taken three wickets in four innings with a best of 2/22.