By: Sportspress247 Editor | Series: India vs New Zealand ODI Series 2025/26 | Venue: Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot
Hello Cricket Family! Welcome back to Sportspress247.
The caravan of the India vs. New Zealand ODI series has moved to the western city of Rajkot, and let me tell you, the stakes couldn't be higher. After a somewhat "nervous" win in the first ODI, the Men in Blue have a 1-0 lead. But if you think the second game is going to be a walk in the park, think again.
We are heading to the Niranjan Shah Stadium for the 2nd ODI, a ground that has a very peculiar—and frankly, scary—history for the home side and chasing teams. Tomorrow at 1:30 PM, Rohit’s men (or whoever is leading, assuming standard leadership) have a chance to seal the series, but the stats suggest this might be the toughest battle yet.
Let’s dive deep into this preview, covering the venue's "curse," the injury updates (bad news for Washington Sundar fans), and the tactical battles that will decide the winner.
"What happened in yesterday's match? First read our 1st ODI Match Highlights article and then watch this preview: [Read Here]"
🇮🇳 MATCH DAY ALERT: India vs New Zealand (2nd ODI)
The caravan moves to Rajkot! After a thrilling 4-wicket win in Vadodara, Team India leads the series 1-0. Today (Jan 14, 2026), they look to seal the deal at the Niranjan Shah Stadium.
🏏 Pitch Report: A "Bowler's Graveyard"?
- 🚀 Batting Highway: Rajkot is famous for being a batting paradise. The ball comes onto the bat nicely with true bounce.
- 🎯 The Magic Number: 300 is not enough here. The team batting first needs to target 340-350+ to feel safe.
- 🔄 Spin Factor: While it's a flat track, spinners might find some grip in the middle overs, but boundaries will flow.
☀️ Weather Update: Perfect Conditions
Cricket fans, rejoice! The forecast is sunny and clear with temperatures hovering around 20-30°C. No rain interruptions expected—we are set for a full 100-over contest.
👑 King Kohli's Milestone: Coming off a match-winning 93 in the 1st ODI, Virat has just crossed the historic 28,000 International Runs mark.
🚨 Squad Updates: Major changes for India—Rishabh Pant & Washington Sundar are out due to injuries. Dhruv Jurel & Ayush Badoni have been added to the squad.
🧢 Captains: Shubman Gill (IND) vs Michael Bracewell (NZ).
📺 Watch Live Streaming & Score Updates on Sportspress247.in | Toss: 1:00 PM IST
The Rajkot Mystery: Why Batting Second is a Crime Here
Before we talk about players, we have to talk about the venue. The Niranjan Shah Stadium is not your regular cricket ground. It replaced the old Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Ground, but it seems to have brought some demons with it.
The "Zero Win" Chasing Record
Here is a stat that will blow your mind: A team batting second is yet to win an ODI at this venue..
Yes, you read that right. In the four ODIs played here, the hosts (India) have lost three. It has been a "thankless task" for chasers. Targets of 300-plus have been set three times, and not once has a team successfully hunted it down.
What does this mean for tomorrow?
The Toss is not just important; it might be the match-decider. "Win Toss, Bat First, Score 350" seems to be the only mantra that works here. If India wins the toss and decides to field (out of habit or dew factor), they might be fighting against history.
Recap: The 'Scare' in the 1st ODI
India leads the series 1-0, but was it a convincing win? I would argue... barely.
As the text confirms, the win was "largely expected" against a depleted Kiwi side, but it came with plenty of nerves.
- The Bowling Worry: India waited over 20 overs for their first wicket!. That is a concern against a top-tier side. More worryingly, they leaked 88 runs in the final 10 overs. Death bowling remains a headache.
- The Batting Collapse: Chasing a target, everything looked cool until it wasn't. We lost Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Shreyas Iyer within just 13 balls. That mini-collapse suddenly spiced things up.
- The Saviors: We have to thank KL Rahul, who stayed till the end like a rock, and young Harshit Rana, whose handy knock ensured we crossed the line.
Team News: Washington Sundar Injured! Who Replaces Him?
We have some breaking news from the camp. The all-rounder Washington Sundar is officially ruled out due to injury. This forces a change in the playing XI, which otherwise looked settled.
India’s Replacement Options
The selectors have added Ayush Badoni to the squad. This is interesting! Badoni brings that explosive finishing ability.
However, if we look at the team balance, Nitish Kumar Reddy appears to be the likely replacement if the management wants to maintain the same composition (pace-bowling all-rounder vs spin all-rounder debate). Given Rajkot's flat deck, Reddy’s hitting and medium pace might get the nod.
New Zealand: Stick or Twist?
For the Black Caps, changes look unlikely after just one game. They fought well on Indian soil. Their batting is their stronger suit, and they will rely heavily on it to shield their inexperienced bowling attack. They took India deep in the first game, so they will back the same XI to go one step further tomorrow.
Tactical Analysis: Where Will the Match be Won?
1. The Death Overs Conundrum
As mentioned, India conceded 88 runs in the last 10 overs of the 1st ODI. On a batting paradise like Rajkot, if New Zealand bats first and keeps wickets in hand, they could easily smash 100+ in the last 10. India’s death bowlers need to execute their yorkers better.
2. The New Zealand Top Order
The Kiwis batted well in the opener. Since their bowling is inexperienced, their batters know they have to score 20-30 runs above par to feel safe. Expect them to come out swinging.
3. KL Rahul’s Role
KL Rahul’s composure in the first match was the difference between a win and an embarrassing collapse. At Rajkot, where high scores are common, his role as the "anchor-finisher" becomes vital again, especially if the top order tries to go too hard too early.
Pitch Report: A Batting Paradise (with a Warning)
Rajkot is traditionally a belter of a track. It’s flat, the outfield is fast, and boundaries are clearable.
- For Batters: Trust the bounce and hit through the line.
- For Bowlers: It’s a graveyard. Your margin for error is zero.
- The Warning: History favors batting first strongly. It’s not just about the pitch deteriorating; it’s scoreboard pressure. Chasing 300+ is mentally exhausting here.
AEO Section: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What time does the IND vs NZ 2nd ODI start?
A: The match is scheduled to start tomorrow at 1:30 PM IST.
Q2: Is Washington Sundar playing in the 2nd ODI?
A: No, Washington Sundar is injured and out of the match. Ayush Badoni has been added to the squad, but Nitish Kumar Reddy is the likely replacement in the playing XI.
Q3: What is the venue record at Rajkot for ODIs?
A: It is very poor for chasing teams. No team batting second has ever won an ODI at the Niranjan Shah Stadium.
Q4: Who won the 1st ODI between India and New Zealand?
A: India won the first ODI by 4 wickets, leading the 3-match series 1-0.
Q5: Who were the heroes of the last match for India?
A: KL Rahul (who stayed till the end) and Harshit Rana (valuable cameo) were the key performers in the chase.
Sportspress247 Prediction: Who Wins?
This is tricky.
Logic says India is the stronger team on paper, especially with New Zealand fielding an inexperienced bowling attack.
However, History screams a warning. If New Zealand wins the toss and bats first, they become favorites purely based on the venue stats.
My Prediction:
If India bats first: India wins comfortably (350+ score).
If India bowls first: It will be a nail-biter, possibly going down to the last over again.
Regardless, expect a run-fest! Get your popcorn ready for tomorrow at 1:30 PM.
Stay tuned to Sportspress247.in for the Toss update and live score analysis!
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