IND vs NZ Match Analysis
The 2nd ODI at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot arrives at a decisive juncture of the series. With India already one up, the timing, venue, and evening conditions combine to offer both sides a genuine chance to shape the narrative.
India approached this contest buoyed by a controlled chase in Vadodara, where composure rather than brute force defined their success. The batting group looked settled, the middle order absorbed pressure calmly, and the bowling unit executed plans at the death. With momentum on their side and a captain in Shubman Gill who favors clarity over complication, IND appear tactically comfortable.
New Zealand, however, arrived with confidence undented. Their recent sequence suggests a side accustomed to winning patterns, and the first ODI defeat was narrow rather than chastening. With match-winners across disciplines and a leadership group under Michael Bracewell that thrives on adaptability, NZ possess the depth to recalibrate quickly on a surface that promises runs.
India vs New Zealand Match Details
Match | India vs New Zealand | 2nd ODI | New Zealand tour of India 2026 |
|---|---|
Date | 14/01/2026 (Wednesday) |
Time | BDT 2:00 PM / PKT 1:00 PM / INR 1:30 PM |
Format | ODI |
Venue | Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot |
Recent performance | India – W W L W W |
Live Streaming Details | Click here to watch the IND vs NZ Live Stream on Sports Live Hub (SLH) |
Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot Pitch Report
Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot
Rajkot is traditionally synonymous with high-scoring cricket. The flat, hard surface offers true bounce, enabling clean stroke play across the line and through the V. Fast bowlers must rely on discipline rather than movement, while spinners are effective only with changes of pace. Expect totals well beyond par if batters apply themselves.
Weather Report
Clear and sunny conditions are forecast, with daytime temperatures around 27°C and evening lows near 13°C. There is no threat of rain. The cooler night may marginally aid swing early on, but dew is unlikely to be a decisive factor. Overall, conditions favor uninterrupted, high-tempo cricket.
IND vs NZ Head-to-Head Records
Matches Played | 120 |
|---|---|
IND Won | 62 |
NZ Won | 50 |
Tied | 1 |
No Result | 7 |
First-ever Fixture | June 14, 1975 |
Most-recent Fixture | January 11, 2026 |
India vs New Zealand Team Preview & Squads
India
Shubman Gill’s leadership is increasingly defined by structure rather than spectacle. His preference for batting depth and matchup-based bowling rotations was evident in the opening ODI. Under his captaincy, India have prioritized stability through the middle overs, resisting the temptation to chase acceleration prematurely, a method well-suited to ODI formats on true surfaces.
Batting remains India’s core strength. With Virat Kohli anchoring the innings, the top and middle order are built around controlled aggression rather than boom-or-bust hitting. Kohli’s match-winning 93 in the series opener reaffirmed his value as the side’s tempo-setter. Support from Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and the versatile Yashasvi Jaiswal ensures India can both consolidate and surge as situations demand.
From a bowling perspective, Mohammed Siraj leads the pace attack with a focus on early breakthroughs and disciplined death-over execution. Ravindra Jadeja’s all-round presence adds control in the middle overs, while Kuldeep Yadav provides the wrist-spin variation necessary on a surface that otherwise favors batters. The balance between containment and wicket-taking gives India tactical flexibility.
India Squad
India
Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Arshdeep Singh, Ayush Badoni, Harshit Rana, Ravindra Jadeja, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Virat Kohli, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Prasidh Krishna, KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma
New Zealand
Michael Bracewell’s captaincy is built on adaptability and role clarity. New Zealand’s approach is rarely reactive; they adjust combinations based on opposition strengths and pitch behavior. Despite the narrow loss in the first ODI, the leadership group will view that performance as a foundation rather than a setback.
Batting revolves around composure and calculated power. Daryl Mitchell stands as the key run accumulator, capable of absorbing pressure before accelerating decisively. With Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, and Glenn Phillips offering balance between stability and explosiveness, NZ’s lineup is structured to post or chase substantial totals on batting-friendly tracks.
Bowling responsibility rests heavily on Kyle Jamieson, whose bounce and seam movement provide early breakthroughs even on flatter surfaces. Support from the all-round unit, including Mitchell and Bracewell himself, allows New Zealand to manage overs efficiently. While spin may play a secondary role in Rajkot, disciplined lengths and strategic fielding remain their primary defensive tools.
New Zealand Squads
New Zealand
Michael Bracewell, Adithya Ashok, Kristian Clarke, Josh Clarkson, Devon Conway, Zak Foulkes, Mitchell Hay, Kyle Jamieson, Nick Kelly, Jayden Lennox, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Michael Rae, Will Young
IND vs NZ Prediction
Event | India | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
Toss Winner | – | New Zealand |
Player of the Match | Virat Kohli | – |
Top Run Scorer | Virat Kohli | Daryl Mitchell |
Top Wicket Taker | Mohammed Siraj | Kyle Jamieson |
Most Sixes | Virat Kohli | Daryl Mitchell |
Predicted Score | 320+ | 300+ |
Win Probability | 53% | 47% |
According to cricket analysts, India have a 53% chance of Winning.
Disclaimer: This cricket prediction reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. We encourage readers to review the points shared and draw their own conclusions.
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