This is where it really begins: Nagpur's VCA Stadium on Tuesday. The qualifying stage is over, and now the major teams come into play as phase two of the 2016 ICC World Twenty20 starts with hosts India taking on New Zealand, in their first T20I in the post Brendon McCullum era.

And this is what all the teams have been building up for. India own a superb 10-1 record in T20Is this year, but it will amount to little if those wins aren't translated into success at the first World Twenty20 played at home. This is the reason the BCCI rejigged the domestic season, and had India playing so many T20Is this year. India want the big prize they first won in 2007.

New Zealand are a team that has captured attention wherever they've gone in the last few years. With Kane Williamson in charge and opening the batting, there is a massive void to fill with McCullum retired. Is the team up for it? Many back in New Zealand should be dizzy to find out. This is the first ICC event since McCullum led the Black Caps to the final of the 2015 World Cup, and the bar has been raised.

The tournament has been given a cracking match to open its swinging doors; let's hope for a high-octane match on the field. India have never beaten New Zealand in four T20Is between the two countries - could that sorry trend end on Tuesday?

(Times of India)