India and New Zealand meet again in the second ODI with the series on the line after a competitive opening match set the tone for an absorbing contest. India hold the advantage after their composed chase in Vadodara, while New Zealand face a must-win situation to keep the series alive.
Match Details
India vs New Zealand, 2nd ODI, New Zealand tour of India 2026.
Date Wednesday, 14 January 2026.
Venue Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot.
Start Time 01:30 PM IST, 01:00 PM PST, 08:00 AM GMT.
Team Overview
India enter the second ODI with confidence after executing their plans well in the series opener. Choosing to field first in Vadodara proved effective as the bowlers restricted New Zealand to a manageable total before the batting unit chased it down with discipline and composure. Under the leadership of Shubman Gill, India have shown balance in both departments, with their top order providing stability and the bowling unit delivering breakthroughs at key moments. A win in Rajkot would allow India to seal the series, which will remain their primary objective.
New Zealand, despite the loss in the first ODI, demonstrated resilience with both bat and ball. Their batters applied themselves well against India’s varied bowling attack, while the bowlers created genuine pressure during the chase. However, lapses at crucial stages proved costly. Led by Michael Bracewell, the visitors will look to adapt quickly to Rajkot conditions and produce a more complete performance to level the series and force a decider.
Head-to-Head Record
India and New Zealand share a long and competitive ODI rivalry. Across 121 matches, India have won 63 games, while New Zealand have claimed 50 victories, with eight matches ending in ties or no results. The narrow gap highlights how evenly matched these teams have been over the years, particularly in high-pressure series on Indian soil.
Pitch Report
The Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot hosts its fifth ODI, and history strongly favours teams batting first. No side has successfully chased a target at this venue in the format so far, indicating that setting a total may be the preferred option after winning the toss. The surface generally offers good value for shots early on, but it tends to slow down as the match progresses. Spinners are expected to play a decisive role in the latter half of the innings, especially under the evening sun, making middle-over control a key factor.
Key Players to Watch
For India, Virat Kohli remains a central figure. After missing out narrowly on a century in the first ODI, he will be eager to convert his start into a big score. His record at Rajkot is outstanding, and he is the highest run-scorer at the venue in ODIs. Shubman Gill’s leadership and form at the top also provide India with stability, while the bowling unit led by Mohammed Siraj and Kuldeep Yadav offers variety and penetration.
New Zealand will once again rely on Kyle Jamieson to strike with the new ball. His four-wicket haul in the opening match, including the dismissals of key Indian batters, underlined his ability to make an impact even on subcontinent pitches. With the bat, Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell will be crucial in laying a solid foundation, while Glenn Phillips adds acceleration in the middle overs.
Probable Playing XIs
India (Captain: Shubman Gill)
Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj.
New Zealand (Captain: Michael Bracewell)
Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Hay (wicketkeeper), Michael Bracewell, Zak Foulkes, Kristian Clarke, Kyle Jamieson, Adithya Ashok.
Live Streaming and Broadcast Information
The second ODI will be broadcast live on JioStar Network television channels in India, with digital streaming available on the JioHotstar app and website. Viewers in Pakistan can follow the match through officially licensed sports channels and their streaming platforms. In the United Kingdom, live coverage will be available on designated sports networks and apps. Global audiences can watch through regional broadcasters holding official rights for the New Zealand tour of India.
Probable Match Scenarios
If India bat first, they are likely to aim for a solid top-order platform before accelerating against spin in the middle overs. Their bowlers will then look to exploit the slowing surface. New Zealand, on the other hand, will need early wickets if they bowl first and disciplined batting partnerships if they set a target. Toss decisions and middle-over execution are expected to heavily influence the outcome.
Match Prediction
Given the venue history and India’s current momentum, the team batting first holds a clear advantage. India start as favourites due to home conditions and squad depth, but New Zealand have the bowling resources to challenge if they capitalize on early opportunities. A closely contested match is expected, with the result likely hinging on how well each side adapts to the slowing Rajkot pitch.
