Overview:
India have played one T20I at this venue and won it by 20 runs. New Zealand have not played a T20I match at this stadium before, making this fixture their first appearance at the venue.
India and New Zealand lock horns in the second T20I at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium in Raipur, with the series momentum hanging in the balance. After a high scoring first match that showcased India’s batting firepower and New Zealand’s resilience, the focus now shifts to a venue that traditionally offers more balanced conditions. Unlike flatter tracks seen in recent matches, Raipur presents a surface where bowlers and batters both have a role to play, making tactical clarity crucial.
This contest also carries added significance as both teams continue their final preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. For India, the objective is to build consistency and test combinations that can deliver under pressure. For New Zealand, the challenge is to adapt quickly and find solutions against India’s depth and variety. With a large outfield, disciplined bowling, and smart batting likely to decide the outcome, the second T20I in Raipur promises a contest defined by strategy rather than sheer power.
India Squad for T20I Series vs New Zealand
Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Shreyas Iyer (first three T20Is), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vice captain), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Ishan Kishan (wk), Ravi Bishnoi
New Zealand Squad for T20I Series vs India
Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Ish Sodhi
India Probable XI for the 2nd T20I vs New Zealand
Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Suryakumar Yadav (c), Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh
New Zealand Probable XI for the 2nd T20I vs India
Tim Robinson, Devon Conway (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapmann, Mitchell Santner (c), Zak Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Kristian Clarke
Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium Raipur, Chhattisgarh Key Details
Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium in Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh, is one of India’s largest and most modern cricket venues. Opened in 2008 and named after freedom fighter Veer Narayan Singh, the stadium has become a major sporting landmark in central India. With a seating capacity of around 60,000 to 65,000, it ranks among the biggest cricket stadiums in the country. The venue has hosted ODIs, T20Is, domestic matches, and IPL games, supported by world-class facilities and floodlights. Its scale, infrastructure, and strategic location in Atal Nagar make it a key hub for international cricket in India.
What is the Pitch like at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium Raipur, Chhattisgarh?
The pitch at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium offers balanced conditions, with neither batters nor bowlers dominating consistently. The black soil surface provides early pace and bounce for fast bowlers, while spinners gain influence as the match progresses. Batters can score freely once settled, but large boundaries demand smart shot selection and strong running between the wickets. Average first innings totals in T20 matches range between 146 and 160, making scores above 170 competitive. Dew often plays a role in night games, helping chasing sides and influencing toss decisions in Raipur.
Key Stats at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium Raipur, Chhattisgarh
Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium has hosted limited international cricket, but its statistics reveal intriguing patterns that highlight its balanced nature. In ODIs, the venue has seen only one match, where the chasing team emerged victorious, suggesting that dew and conditions can favor teams batting second.
In Indian Premier League matches, the stadium has hosted six games, with chasing teams winning four and teams batting first winning two. This indicates a clear advantage for sides that prefer to chase under lights. In World T20 matches, six games have been played at the venue, with teams batting first winning four and chasing teams winning two, showing that results can vary depending on conditions and execution.
In T20 Internationals, the stadium has hosted one match so far, where India secured a 20 run victory. These numbers underline the unpredictability of the venue, where neither batting first nor chasing guarantees success. Instead, adaptability, bowling discipline, and fielding standards often determine outcomes. Raipur’s statistics reflect a venue where tactical intelligence matters as much as individual brilliance.
IND vs NZ: Weather Forecast Will Rain Play a Role?
Weather conditions in Raipur for the second T20I are expected to remain clear and stable, with no threat of rain. January in Chhattisgarh typically offers dry and pleasant conditions, making it ideal for uninterrupted cricket. Daytime temperatures are likely to hover around the mid twenties, while evening temperatures may drop slightly, creating comfortable playing conditions for both teams.
Humidity levels are expected to remain moderate, which could allow dew to settle during the second innings. This may influence toss decisions, as captains could prefer to bowl first to take advantage of easier batting conditions later in the match. Wind speeds are forecast to be mild and are unlikely to affect play significantly.
Overall, the weather is set to provide a perfect backdrop for a full and competitive T20I contest. With no interruptions expected, both teams will have the opportunity to execute their plans without external disruptions.
India vs New Zealand Pitch Advantage for Which Side?
The conditions in Raipur present a slightly nuanced advantage for India, primarily due to their familiarity with subcontinental surfaces and their depth in spin and pace resources. Indian bowlers such as Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, and Arshdeep Singh are well equipped to exploit the slower nature of the pitch as the match progresses. The large boundaries also suit India’s bowling strategy, which relies on forcing batters to hit into the deep.
India’s batting lineup, however, will need to adjust its approach. Unlike smaller grounds where power hitting dominates, Raipur demands controlled aggression and smart placement. Players like Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya, who excel in manipulating fields, could benefit significantly from these conditions.
FAQs: Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium Raipur, Chhattisgarh
1. What is the pitch report for Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium Raipur, Chhattisgarh?
The pitch offers balanced conditions with early assistance for fast bowlers, gradual grip for spinners, and large boundaries that reward disciplined bowling and intelligent batting. Dew often plays a role in night matches, making chasing slightly easier.
2. What are India’s and New Zealand’s records at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium Raipur, Chhattisgarh?
India have played one T20I at this venue and won it by 20 runs. New Zealand have not played a T20I match at this stadium before, making this fixture their first appearance at the venue.