Overview:
Abhishek Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Glenn Phillips, and Mitchell Santner are likely to play decisive roles in the second T20I.
The India vs New Zealand T20I series moves to New Raipur for the second match, scheduled on January 23, 2026, at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium. India enter the contest with momentum after a dominant win in the opening game, where their aggressive batting and disciplined bowling laid the foundation for a comprehensive victory. New Zealand, on the other hand, will be eager to bounce back after failing to contain India’s top order and struggling to keep pace in the chase.
This five match T20I series holds added significance as it serves as one of the final competitive platforms for both teams before the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. With limited opportunities remaining to fine tune combinations, every match becomes a test of form, clarity of roles, and adaptability. India will look to build on their strong start, while New Zealand aim to correct their mistakes and level the series.
What is the Context of this Match?
India’s 48 run victory in the first T20I set the tone for the series. After being asked to bat, India produced a blistering batting display, posting 238 for 7. Abhishek Sharma’s explosive 84 off 35 balls provided early impetus, while Rinku Singh’s unbeaten 44 ensured a strong finish. New Zealand’s chase never fully gained momentum despite Glenn Phillips’ brilliant 78, as India’s bowlers controlled the middle and death overs effectively.
Varun Chakravarthy and Shivam Dube played key roles with the ball, while Arshdeep Singh and Bumrah applied pressure at crucial moments. New Zealand’s bowlers had mixed returns, with Jacob Duffy standing out despite the heavy scoring. The second match now becomes a crucial moment in the series. India will aim to tighten their grip, while New Zealand must respond quickly to avoid falling behind in the five match contest.
India Probable XI for the 2nd T20I vs New Zealand
Abhishek Sharma: Abhishek delivered one of the most destructive knocks of the series opener, dismantling the New Zealand attack with fearless strokeplay. His ability to dominate pace and spin makes him a crucial asset at the top. On flat surfaces, his intent can change the direction of a game within a few overs. He has 1,199 runs in 35 T20Is with 2 hundreds and 7 fifties at a strike rate of 190.
Sanju Samson (wk): Samson had a quiet outing in the first T20I but remains one of India’s most technically gifted batters. As a top order player, he is expected to anchor innings while maintaining tempo. This match presents an opportunity for him to regain rhythm and confidence. He has 1,042 runs in 53 T20Is with 3 hundreds and 3 fifties at a strike rate close to 150.
Suryakumar Yadav (c): The captain continues to search for peak form but remains one of the most destructive batters in world cricket. Played a wonderful knock in the 1st T20I showing glimpses of his former self. The series provides him time to rediscover rhythm ahead of the World Cup. He has 2,820 runs in 100 T20Is with 4 hundreds and 21 fifties at a strike rate of 163.
Ishan Kishan: Kishan endured a disappointing comeback in the first match but remains a dangerous left handed batter. His aggressive approach in the middle order can shift momentum quickly. India will expect him to respond with a strong performance. He has 804 runs in 33 T20Is with 6 fifties.
Hardik Pandya: Pandya remains India’s most valuable all rounder in the T20 setup. His finishing ability and bowling versatility add balance to the side, while his leadership experience strengthens the middle order. He is central to India’s plans in the shortest format. He has 2,027 runs in 125 T20Is with 7 fifties at a strike rate above 140, along with 102 wickets.
Shivam Dube: Dube has emerged as a powerful middle order option capable of targeting spinners and accelerating scoring in the middle overs. His ability to clear boundaries consistently makes him a match winner on flat tracks. He has 648 runs in 51 T20Is at a strike rate of 140, along with 25 wickets.
Rinku Singh: Rinku produced a sensational finish in the first T20I, reinforcing his reputation as India’s most reliable finisher. His composure under pressure and ability to find boundaries in the final overs make him invaluable. He has 594 runs in 36 T20Is at a strike rate of 165 with 3 fifties.
Harshit Rana: Rana is expected to replace the injured Axar Patel, adding pace and aggression to the attack. His recent performances have highlighted his ability to contribute with both ball and lower order batting. He has 7 wickets in 6 T20Is.
Jasprit Bumrah: Bumrah went wicketless in the opening match but remains India’s most dependable bowler across phases. His ability to control the death overs makes him a critical component of the attack. He has 103 wickets in 84 T20Is.
Varun Chakravarthy: Varun was impressive in the first match, picking up two wickets and maintaining pressure in the middle overs. His mystery spin continues to trouble batters. He has 57 wickets in 34 T20Is.
Arshdeep Singh: Arshdeep remains India’s star powerplay bowler and one of the most consistent performers in T20 cricket. His ability to swing the ball early and execute yorkers late makes him a key figure. He has 111 wickets in 73 matches.
New Zealand Probable XI for the 2nd T20I vs India
Tim Robinson: Robinson struggled to make an impact in the opening match but remains a modern T20 opener with aggressive intent. His ability to exploit the powerplay could be crucial if he finds form. He has 540 runs in 24 T20Is with 2 hundreds and 1 fifty at a strike rate of 140.
Devon Conway (wk): Conway was dismissed for a duck in the first match but remains one of New Zealand’s most dependable batters. His technique against spin and ability to build innings make him vital at the top. He has 1,675 runs in 63 T20Is with 12 fifties at a strike rate close to 130.
Rachin Ravindra: Ravindra needs to contribute more if New Zealand are to challenge India effectively. His all round ability adds balance, but he struggled in the first match. He has 550 runs in 39 T20Is with 3 fifties at a strike rate of 135, along with 14 wickets.
Glenn Phillips: Phillips was the standout performer for New Zealand in the opening game, scoring a brilliant 78 under pressure. His explosive batting and athletic fielding make him one of the most impactful players in the squad. He has 2,007 runs in 84 T20Is with 2 hundreds and 11 fifties, along with 6 wickets.
Daryl Mitchell: Mitchell carried his strong ODI form into the T20 format and looked sharp with the bat in the first match. His ability to handle both pace and spin makes him a crucial middle order batter. He has 1,702 runs in 91 T20Is with 8 fifties at a strike rate near 140.
Mark Chapman: Chapman returned from injury and played a valuable knock of 39 off 24 balls in the first match. His ability to stabilize innings in the middle order adds depth to New Zealand’s lineup. He has 1,929 runs in 101 T20Is with 1 hundred and 10 fifties at a strike rate of 136.
Mitchell Santner (c): Santner continues to lead the side with calm authority and tactical clarity. His control with the ball and contributions with the bat provide balance. He has 848 runs and 130 wickets in 122 T20Is.
Zak Foulkes: Foulkes replaces Ish Sodhi in the playing eleven and adds pace depth to the attack. He has emerged as a reliable seam option capable of early breakthroughs. He has 18 wickets in 17 T20Is.
Kyle Jamieson: Jamieson was expensive in the first match but still picked up two wickets. His height and bounce make him a unique weapon in T20 cricket. He has 23 wickets in 24 T20Is.
Jacob Duffy: Duffy was New Zealand’s best bowler in the first match, delivering an economical spell and taking two wickets. His control and discipline make him vital in containing India’s top order. He has 55 wickets in 39 T20Is.
Kristian Clarke: Clarke picked up a wicket in the opening match and retained his spot in the side. His pace and aggression provide an additional dimension to New Zealand’s bowling attack. He has 1 T20I appearance so far with 1 wicket.
Top Batters for Dream11
Abhishek Sharma remains one of the most attractive fantasy picks due to his explosive form and powerplay dominance. Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan offer high upside if they find rhythm on a batting friendly surface. From New Zealand, Glenn Phillips stands out as a must pick after his commanding knock in the first match. Devon Conway and Tim Robinson provide stability and potential value if they capitalize on early overs.
Best All Rounders to Boost Points
Hardik Pandya continues to be a premium fantasy option due to his ability to influence games with both bat and ball. Harshit Rana adds value as a pace all rounder capable of contributing in multiple phases. For New Zealand, Glenn Phillips and Mitchell Santner remain key all round picks, offering balance through batting, bowling, and fielding contributions.
Bowlers to Watch in Dream11
Jasprit Bumrah remains a key fantasy choice due to his impact across all phases of the innings. Varun Chakravarthy’s mystery spin makes him a strong wicket taking option. From New Zealand, Kristian Clarke and Kyle Jamieson are expected to play crucial roles with the new ball and in the middle overs.
Captain and Vice Captain Picks
Abhishek Sharma is a strong captaincy option given his current form and aggressive role at the top. Glenn Phillips offers high upside as a vice captain choice due to his explosive batting and all round potential. Hardik Pandya remains a reliable captaincy alternative, while Mitchell Santner provides stability and multi dimensional impact for vice captain selections.
Pitch Report and Venue Conditions
The second T20I will be played at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Raipur. The pitch is generally balanced and batting friendly, offering good bounce and pace early for fast bowlers. As the match progresses, spinners can find grip in the middle overs as the surface slows slightly. The outfield is quick, which encourages boundary scoring, while the larger dimensions of the ground place emphasis on placement and running between the wickets. Weather conditions are expected to remain clear, with no threat of rain, ensuring a full and uninterrupted contest.
Match Prediction: Who Has the Upper Hand?
New Zealand are expected to respond strongly after their defeat in the first match. While India hold momentum and home advantage, New Zealand possess the depth and adaptability to bounce back in high scoring conditions. If their top order fires and bowlers execute plans more effectively, they have the potential to level the series. The contest remains finely balanced, but New Zealand appear well positioned to mount a comeback in the second T20I.
FAQs About IND vs NZ Playing XI
Who are the key players in the IND vs NZ clash?
Abhishek Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Glenn Phillips, and Mitchell Santner are likely to play decisive roles in the second T20I.