Overview:
New Zealand will take confidence from the fact that their top order fired and Jamieson exposed India’s middle order vulnerability. India, on the other hand, know they can absorb pressure and still win.
India enter the 2nd ODI with confidence after pulling off a composed chase in the opening match. New Zealand put up a competitive 300 for 8, but India held their nerve despite losing key wickets during the chase. Virat Kohli anchored the innings with a brilliant 93, while Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer gave solid support before KL Rahul closed the game in the final overs. With a 1 to 0 lead in hand, India now have a chance to seal the series in Rajkot. New Zealand, meanwhile, will be under pressure to bounce back after failing to defend a strong total.
What is the Context of the Match
The first ODI showed that this series will be far tighter than many expected. New Zealand had India under pressure after Kyle Jamieson removed Kohli and a mini collapse followed. However, India’s middle order depth and calm finishing turned the game in their favor. New Zealand will take confidence from the fact that their top order fired and Jamieson exposed India’s middle order vulnerability. India, on the other hand, know they can absorb pressure and still win. With the Rajkot pitch expected to be flat and high scoring, the team that handles momentum swings better will likely control the match.
India’s Probable Playing XI for the 2nd ODI vs New Zealand
Rohit Sharma: Rohit remains India’s most destructive opener and looked fluent in the first ODI before getting out. On a batting friendly Rajkot pitch, his ability to dominate the powerplay will be critical. His experience in setting up big totals makes him a key figure in a potential series clincher. He has 11,542 runs in 280 ODIs with 33 hundreds and 61 fifties.
Shubman Gill (c): Gill returned from injury and immediately stamped his authority with a composed fifty in the first ODI. As captain, he brings calm leadership and technical precision at the top. His ability to pace an innings makes him ideal for high scoring venues like Rajkot. He has 2,874 runs in 59 ODIs with 8 hundreds and 16 fifties, averaging close to 60.
Virat Kohli: Kohli was the backbone of India’s chase in the first ODI with a masterful 93 under pressure. His form in white ball cricket is back at its peak, and he remains the most reliable run scorer in the side. On flat surfaces, he becomes even more dangerous. He has 14,650 runs in 309 ODIs with 53 hundreds and 77 fifties.
Shreyas Iyer: Iyer played a crucial supporting role with 49 in the opening match but will be disappointed he could not finish the game. He is one of India’s best players of spin and thrives on true batting tracks. This match gives him a chance to convert a start into a defining knock. He has 2,966 runs in 74 ODIs with 5 hundreds and 23 fifties.
KL Rahul (wk): Rahul held his nerve to close out the chase in the first ODI with an unbeaten finish. His composure under pressure and ability to rotate strike make him ideal for tight run chases. As a wicketkeeper batter, he adds stability to the middle order. He has 3,247 runs in 92 ODIs with 7 hundreds and 20 fifties.
Ravindra Jadeja: Jadeja provides India with crucial balance through his economical bowling and lower order batting. Even when he does not take wickets, he controls the middle overs and builds pressure. On a surface that slows later, his role becomes more important. He has 2,866 runs and 232 wickets in 208 ODIs.
Ayush Badoni: Badoni is set to make his ODI debut after replacing Washington Sundar. He is known for his fearless strokeplay and maturity beyond his age in domestic cricket. His inclusion gives India additional batting depth and flexibility. He has 1,681 runs in 21 first class matches, averaging close to 60.
Harshit Rana: Rana made a strong impact in the first ODI with a quick 29 and 2 wickets. His ability to contribute in both departments gives India extra depth. He also brings pace and aggression into the attack. He has 22 wickets from 12 ODIs so far.
Kuldeep Yadav: Kuldeep remains India’s main wicket taking spinner in limited overs cricket. Even on flat tracks, his variations and drift create opportunities. He will be crucial in breaking partnerships in Rajkot. He has 192 wickets in 118 ODIs.
Prasidh Krishna: Prasidh struck twice in the first ODI and consistently hit hard lengths. His height allows him to extract bounce even from flat pitches. He will be used as a middle overs enforcer. He has 29 wickets in 22 ODIs.
Mohammed Siraj: Siraj continues to lead India’s pace attack with intensity and control. His 2 wickets in the first ODI kept New Zealand from running away with the game. He thrives on responsibility and big moments. He has 75 wickets in 48 ODIs.
New Zealand Probable Playing XI for the 2nd ODI vs India
Devon Conway (wk): Conway gave New Zealand a solid platform with a classy 56 in the first ODI. His ability to handle both pace and spin makes him one of their most dependable batters. On a flat pitch, he becomes even more dangerous. He has 1,671 runs in 41 ODIs with 5 hundreds and 6 fifties.
Henry Nicholls: Nicholls built the innings with a composed 62 in the opening match. He is a natural accumulator who keeps the scoreboard ticking. His role will again be to anchor while others attack around him. He has 2,242 runs in 82 ODIs with 1 hundred and 16 fifties.
Will Young: Young had a quiet first ODI but remains one of New Zealand’s technically strongest batters. He is capable of playing long innings if he gets set. Rajkot offers him a chance to reset and make an impact. He has 1,706 runs in 53 ODIs with 4 hundreds and 10 fifties.
Daryl Mitchell: Mitchell was New Zealand’s standout batter with a powerful 84 in the first ODI. He thrives under pressure and has become the backbone of their middle order. His ability to counterattack makes him their biggest threat. He has 2,422 runs in 54 ODIs with 7 hundreds and 11 fifties.
Mitch Hay (wk): Hay did not make a major impact in the opening game but remains part of the middle order structure. His role is to provide stability and support to the main run scorers. He will look to contribute more in this match. He has limited ODI experience so far.
Michael Bracewell (c): Bracewell had a quiet first ODI, which puts extra pressure on him as captain. He is a valuable all rounder who can change games with either bat or ball. New Zealand need him to step up in this must win game. He has 928 runs and 37 wickets in 40 ODIs.
Glenn Phillips: Phillips is one of New Zealand’s most explosive players but failed to fire in the first ODI. His power hitting and off spin make him a dual threat. On a high scoring pitch, he can swing momentum quickly. He has 1,124 runs and 16 wickets in 45 ODIs.
Zak Foulkes: Foulkes went wicketless in the first ODI but showed promise with the new ball. He is capable of early breakthroughs and sharp movement. Rajkot will test his discipline and control. He has 9 wickets in 7 ODIs.
Kyle Jamieson: Jamieson was the game changer with 4 wickets in the first ODI. His bounce and movement troubled India’s top order. He remains New Zealand’s biggest weapon. He has 28 wickets in 21 ODIs.
Adithya Ashok: Ashok struggled in his first outing but remains an intriguing option as a left arm spinner. He can trouble batters if he finds rhythm. New Zealand will hope for better control from him. He has 2 wickets in 3 ODIs.
Kristian Clarke: Clarke endured a difficult debut, conceding 73 runs. However, he has raw pace and can be effective if he tightens his lines. This match is a chance to show resilience. He has 1 ODI appearance so far.
Top Batters for Dream11
Virat Kohli is the safest fantasy pick after his match defining 93 in the 1st ODI. Rohit Sharma will enjoy the Rajkot surface and is due a big score. Daryl Mitchell has been New Zealand’s most consistent batter and his 84 showed his class. Devon Conway’s ability to play spin makes him a strong option in India. These four batters combine form, experience, and pitch suitability.
Best All Rounders to Boost Points
Ravindra Jadeja remains the most reliable fantasy all rounder with his wickets and handy runs. Michael Bracewell and Glenn Phillips both had quiet first games, which makes them risky but high reward picks. On a batting friendly pitch, even one big over or a quick cameo can swing fantasy points heavily in their favor.
Bowlers to Watch in Dream11
Kuldeep Yadav can exploit any grip in the Rajkot pitch as the match progresses. Kyle Jamieson is New Zealand’s biggest wicket threat after his 4 for in the 1st ODI. Zak Foulkes can provide early breakthroughs. Harshit Rana adds value with both wickets and lower order runs.
Captain and Vice Captain Picks
Virat Kohli is the safest captaincy option due to his form and ability to anchor big chases. Rohit Sharma is a strong alternative given the batting friendly conditions. Kuldeep Yadav offers wicket taking potential as vice captain, while Jamieson can deliver big returns with a single strong spell.
Pitch Report and Venue Conditions
Rajkot offers a flat surface with true bounce and a fast outfield. Batters can play freely and big totals are common. Spinners get some assistance later, but overall this is a venue where teams prefer to bat first and put scoreboard pressure on the opposition.
Match Prediction Who Has the Upper Hand
India have the stronger batting depth and more control in the middle overs. New Zealand rely heavily on Jamieson and Mitchell. On a flat Rajkot pitch, India’s firepower gives them the edge and they are well placed to clinch the series.
FAQs about IND vs NZ Playing XI
Who are the key players in the IND vs NZ clash?
Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Daryl Mitchell, and Kyle Jamieson will define this match.