The three-match ODI series between India and New Zealand moves to Rajkot for the second encounter, with the Niranjan Shah Stadium set to host another crucial game. India, who are leading the three-match series 1–0 after a tense four-wicket victory in the opening game, will be eager to seal the series with another win in the second game.
India will take confidence from their ability to hold their nerve in the first ODI, where they chased down the target despite losing wickets at regular intervals. Virat Kohli was once again at the heart of India's victory, playing a crucial knock of 93 to guide India home. Going into the second game, India won't be having the services of Washington Sundar, who has been ruled out of the series following a side strain suffered in the first game.
For New Zealand, the first ODI was far from discouraging. Pushing India close on their own turf will give the visitors belief that the series is still alive. For them, the challenge now is to level the series. They will be confident after giving India a tough fight in the first game despite being under pressure. Their top order displayed intent, and the bowling unit managed to apply pressure during the chase. However, they will be eager to address their shortcomings before heading into the second ODI.
Head-to-head
Matches- 121
IND won - 63
NZ won - 50
No result - 8
IND possible XI: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (c), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Ayush Badoni, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna
NZ possible XI: Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Hay (w), Michael Bracewell (c), Zakary Foulkes, Kristian Clarke, Kyle Jamieson, Jayden Lennox