India vs New Zealand 2nd ODI 2026: Rajkot Match Preview, Pitch Report, Probable XIs & Prediction
India vs New Zealand 2nd ODI 2026 series at the Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot, on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, with the match set to begin at 1:30 PM IST.
After clinching a four-wicket win in the 1st ODI at Vadodara, India hold a 1-0 series lead and are just one victory away from sealing the series. Shubman Gill’s side will look to maintain momentum on a batting-friendly Rajkot surface, while a depleted New Zealand unit searches for a consolation win to stay alive.
India vs New Zealand 2nd ODI 2026 Match Details
- Live Telecast: Star Sports
- Live Streaming: JioHotstar
- Match Start: 1:30 PM IST (Coverage from 1:00 PM)
- Live Score: Cricbuzz
Series Context: India One Win Away
India edged past New Zealand in a tense chase in Vadodara, successfully hunting down 301 runs with calm finishing from KL Rahul. Earlier, Virat Kohli’s fluent 93 put India in command before a brief wobble triggered by Kyle Jamieson’s outstanding 4/41.
New Zealand’s innings was anchored by Daryl Mitchell’s composed 84 and a strong 117-run opening partnership, but their bowling depth and middle-over control fell short. Trailing 0-1, the visitors now face a must-win scenario against a confident Indian side at Rajkot.
Ind vs NZ 2nd ODI 2026: Pitch Report & Weather
The Rajkot pitch is widely regarded as one of the most batting-friendly ODI venues in India.
Pitch Characteristics
- Flat surface with true bounce and even carry
- Ideal for stroke-makers and aggressive top orders
- Spinners get minimal assistance early; grip improves slightly in later overs
- Pacers must rely on variations, cutters, and hard lengths
Weather Report
- Clear skies, no rain threat
- Pleasant daytime conditions
- Moderate dew expected in the second innings, making chasing slightly easier
Key Venue Stats
- Average 1st innings score: 310+
- Highest ODI total: 352
- Teams bowled out under 250: None
- Toss trend: Bat first, post 300+
Probable Playing XIs – IND vs NZ 2nd ODI
India Playing XI (Likely – One Change)
- Shubman Gill (c)
- Rohit Sharma
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- KL Rahul (wk)
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Harshit Rana
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Arshdeep Singh
- Mohammed Siraj
Team News:
Washington Sundar is ruled out with injury. Ravindra Jadeja takes full all-round responsibility, while Nitish Kumar Reddy strengthens batting depth.
New Zealand Playing XI (Expected)
- Devon Conway (wk)
- Henry Nicholls
- Will Young
- Daryl Mitchell
- Glenn Phillips
- Mitchell Hay
- Michael Bracewell (c)
- Zak Foulkes
- Kyle Jamieson
- Adithya Ashok
- Michael Rae
Team News:
New Zealand continue without Kane Williamson. Despite struggles in Vadodara, leg-spinner Adithya Ashok may retain his spot for balance.
Key Players to Watch
Virat Kohli (India)
- Scored 93 in the 1st ODI
- Loves batting on flat tracks like Rajkot
- Chasing his first ODI century at this venue
Kyle Jamieson (New Zealand)
- Career-best 4/41 in Vadodara
- Extra bounce could trouble India’s top order again
Shubman Gill (India)
- Captain’s knock in the opener set the tone
- Key role as anchor on a high-scoring surface
Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand)
- Top-scored with 84 in the 1st ODI
- Must deliver again to push NZ beyond 300
Key Battles to Watch
- Virat Kohli vs Kyle Jamieson – Experience vs bounce and seam
- Jadeja vs Daryl Mitchell – Spin control vs counter-attack
- Siraj & Arshdeep vs NZ openers – New-ball swing under afternoon conditions
IND vs NZ Head-to-Head in ODIs
- Overall: India 65 wins | New Zealand 53 wins
- In India: India dominant
- Last 5 home series vs NZ: India unbeaten
Rajkot’s conditions heavily favor India’s deep batting lineup and experienced bowling attack.
Conclusion: Who Will Win Today?
With a batting paradise on offer and India’s top order in red-hot form, the hosts start as clear favorites. New Zealand will compete through Jamieson’s pace and Mitchell’s consistency, but lack the depth required for a 320+ contest at Rajkot.
Prediction:
- India win by 40–50 runs (if batting first)
- India win by 6 wickets (if chasing)
India clinch the series 2-0
Related post: India vs New Zealand 2026 Schedule
