IND vs NZ 2nd T20I Playing 11 Prediction: Will Vaibhav Sooryavanshi play today?

India vs New Zealand 2nd T20I Playing 11 Prediction: India will look to extend their lead in the five-match T20I series when they face New Zealand in the second match at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Saturday, October 24. After pulling off a thrilling four-wicket win in the series opener, the visitors have an opportunity to put the hosts under further pressure.

However, India's team combination could change for the second T20I. Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has been ruled out of the match after suffering a low-grade right adductor strain during the first game. The injury has opened up a spot in the batting line-up, with young sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi among the options being considered. The big question is whether India will bring in the 15-year-old batter or opt for an experienced all-rounder to strengthen the middle order. New Zealand, meanwhile, will be keen to bounce back after failing to defend a total of 225 runs in the opening match.

IND vs NZ 2nd T20I: Predicted Playing 11

The following are the predicted XIs for the second T20I. The final teams will be confirmed at the toss.

India predicted XI

Possible change: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi comes in

1. Sanju Samson (wk)
2. Abhishek Sharma
3. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi / Shivam Dube
4. Shreyas Iyer (c)
5. Tilak Varma
6. Nitish Kumar Reddy
7. Naman Dhir
8. Axar Patel
9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar
10. Arshdeep Singh
11. Mayank Yadav

New Zealand predicted XI: Expected to retain most of the combination

1. Tim Seifert (wk)
2. Finn Allen
3. Daryl Mitchell
4. Glenn Phillips
5. Bevon Jacobs
6. Michael Bracewell
7. Mitchell Santner (c)
8. Nathan Smith
9. Adam Milne
10. Matt Henry
11. Lockie Ferguson

Ind vs NZ: Will Vaibhav Sooryavanshi play today?

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is one of the main talking points ahead of the match. With Kishan unavailable, India have an opening in their batting order and could use the opportunity to give the teenage left-hander a chance.

The alternative is Shivam Dube, whose all-round ability could provide India with additional batting depth. The decision will depend on how the team management wants to balance its batting and bowling resources.

India will also want a better performance from their bowling attack. The visitors conceded 225 runs in the first match before their batters completed a record chase, leaving room for improvement with the ball.

IND vs NZ 2nd T20I: Match details

Detail	Information
Match	New Zealand vs India, 2nd T20I
Date	Saturday, October 24, 2026
Venue	Hagley Oval, Christchurch
Start time	12:30 PM IST
Series score	India lead 1-0
Series format	Five T20Is

India vs New Zealand: What happened in the 1st T20I?

New Zealand posted 225/4 after batting first, with Glenn Phillips scoring an unbeaten 82 off 40 balls and Finn Allen contributing 45 off 24 deliveries. India chased down the target, finishing at 230/6 in 19.4 overs to win by four wickets. Sanju Samson led the charge with 67 off 33 balls, while Shreyas Iyer made 42 and Naman Dhir remained unbeaten on 42 off just 15 deliveries.

That result gave India a 1-0 advantage, but New Zealand will take confidence from their batting performance. Their challenge now is to contain India's aggressive top order and improve their execution with the new ball.