India and New Zealand are set to lock horns once again as the second ODI in their three-match series unfolds at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot on January 14, 2026. With India holding a 1-0 advantage after a commanding 45-run victory in Vadodara, the Men in Blue are brimming with confidence, eager to seal the series. Meanwhile, New Zealand finds itself under mounting pressure to bounce back and keep the contest alive.
The opening ODI at Vadodara showcased India’s dominance with both bat and ball. The hosts posted a formidable 312 for 6 in their 50 overs, a total built on the back of a stellar top-order performance. Shubman Gill, captaining the side, played a match-turning knock of 82 from 89 balls, while Rohit Sharma’s 65 and Virat Kohli’s composed 78 further cemented India’s stronghold. Shreyas Iyer added a brisk 48 off 40 balls, and KL Rahul’s late hitting (35 from 28) ensured India finished with a flourish. The partnership between Gill and Kohli set a rock-solid platform, and India’s fielding, highlighted by three catches and two run-outs, kept the pressure firmly on the Kiwis.
New Zealand, chasing 313 for victory, never quite found their rhythm. Devon Conway (45), Will Young (38), and Daryl Mitchell (52) offered resistance, but the middle order crumbled under the relentless Indian attack. Michael Bracewell, the Kiwi skipper, contributed 28, but with wickets tumbling at regular intervals, the visitors were bowled out for 267 in 46.4 overs. India’s bowlers shared the spoils: Kuldeep Yadav was the standout, delivering a match-winning spell of 3 for 48 and earning the Man of the Match award. Arshdeep Singh (2 for 45) and Jasprit Bumrah (2 for 50) provided crucial breakthroughs, particularly in the early and late stages of the innings.
Despite the convincing win, India’s camp is aware of areas needing improvement. The middle order, while buoyed by Kohli’s anchor role, showed vulnerability after his dismissal. "We lost a couple of wickets in quick succession. It’s something we’ll talk about and try to address," said Shubman Gill after the match, emphasizing the team’s focus on consistency. The bowling unit, however, earned plaudits for restricting New Zealand to 300 or less, a feat that set up the chase perfectly.
Virat Kohli’s return to form has been a talking point. His 78 in the first ODI was vintage Kohli—measured, assertive, and full of elegant strokes. Observers noted that he appeared less burdened by responsibility, allowing him to play with greater freedom. Kohli’s presence will again be vital as India looks to extend its lead in the series.
Team selection for the Rajkot ODI brings its own intrigue. Washington Sundar’s injury has opened the door for Ayush Badoni, who has impressed with the ball in recent domestic outings. Whether Badoni makes his ODI debut may depend on pitch conditions, with Nitish Kumar Reddy already an option in the squad. Arshdeep Singh, fresh from his impactful performance in Vadodara, is in contention to replace Prasidh Krishna. India’s likely XI features a potent blend of youth and experience: Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, and Mohammed Siraj.
Across the aisle, New Zealand’s hopes rest heavily on the shoulders of Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, and captain Michael Bracewell. Mitchell’s 52 in the opener underscored his importance in the middle order, while Conway’s ability to weather the new ball will be key. The Kiwis’ bowling attack, featuring Glenn Phillips, Kristian Clarke, Kyle Jamieson, and either Adithya Ashok or Jayden Lennox, faces a stern test on Rajkot’s batting-friendly surface. The visitors will need to adapt quickly to avoid conceding another strong start to India.
Rajkot’s Niranjan Shah Stadium is famous for its flat, high-scoring pitches. The average first innings score hovers between 310 and 330, and teams batting first have won all four ODIs played at this venue. The toss, scheduled for 1:00 PM IST, could prove decisive, with the match set to begin at 1:30 PM IST in a day/night format. The weather forecast is ideal for cricket: clear, sunny skies and temperatures ranging from 25 to 30°C, with no threat of rain. Outfield conditions are expected to be lightning fast, further tilting the balance in favor of the batters.
Fans eager to catch every moment of the action can tune in to the Star Sports Network for live telecast, while digital viewers in India can stream the match for free in HD and 4K on the JioHotstar app and website. The accessibility of coverage ensures that cricket enthusiasts won’t miss a single delivery as the series heats up.
Head-to-head, the rivalry between India and New Zealand remains fiercely competitive. Out of 122 ODIs played between the two sides, India holds a narrow edge with 59 wins to New Zealand’s 56, while seven matches have ended in a tie or no result. Recent form also favors India, who have taken three of the last five encounters.
New Zealand’s captain Michael Bracewell acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, "We need to regroup quickly. Rajkot is a different surface, and we’ll look to put up a better fight." The visitors will be desperate to avoid another defeat and keep the series alive heading into the final match.
As the teams prepare to take the field, all eyes are on the toss and the first hour of play. Will India’s top order continue their purple patch, or can New Zealand’s bowlers find a way to stem the run flow? Will the inclusion of Ayush Badoni add a new dimension to India’s attack? And can Daryl Mitchell or Devon Conway deliver a match-defining knock for the Kiwis?
One thing’s for certain—the stage is set for a high-octane contest in Rajkot, where both sides have plenty to play for. With the series on the line, expect fireworks as India looks to clinch the trophy and New Zealand fights to stay in the hunt. The excitement is palpable, and as the sun sets over Rajkot, cricket fans around the world will be glued to their screens, awaiting the next twist in this riveting ODI saga.
