IND vs NZ Playing 11: Check squads, weather forecast, pitch report and Axar Patel injury updates

The second T20I between India and New Zealand will be played on Friday in Raipur. After clinching the series opener by 48 runs in Nagpur, India lead the series and will be looking to build on that momentum while managing player fitness ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup.

India may be forced into a late change for the second T20I against New Zealand in Raipur as vice-captain Axar Patel continues to recover from a finger injury sustained during the series opener in Nagpur. The all-rounder was struck on his bowling hand while delivering to Daryl Mitchell and did not return to the field for the remainder of the match.

Axar Patel injury update

With just a one-day gap between the first and second T20Is and the T20 World Cup only three weeks away, the Indian team management is expected to prioritise player fitness. Axar is likely to be rested as a precautionary measure, which could pave the way for Kuldeep Yadav’s inclusion, even though Ravi Bishnoi is also part of the squad. Kuldeep is considered the more likely option, despite his inclusion potentially weakening India’s batting depth. With Washington Sundar also injured, India’s selection options remain limited.


New Zealand, meanwhile, are unlikely to make major changes after losing only the opening match of the series. However, the visitors could consider bringing in experienced pacer Matt Henry in place of Kristian Clarke, who struggled in the first T20I at Nagpur.

Predicted XIs for second T20I

India: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel/Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy

New Zealand: Tim Robinson, Devon Conway (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (c), Kristian Clarke/Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy

IND vs NZ Playing 11: Weather update

Clear skies and abundant sunshine are expected in Raipur on Friday, January 23. The second T20I between India and New Zealand will begin at 7 PM IST. There is no chance of rain, and temperatures are likely to range between 24°C and 17°C during the match. Dew may become a factor in the later overs, and the team winning the toss could choose to field first.

IND vs NZ Playing 11: Pitch report

The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Raipur will host its second T20I. The pitch is expected to be on the slower side, with a competitive total likely in the range of 160-180 runs. Pacers may get some assistance early in the innings, but spinners are expected to play a more influential role as the game progresses.

Squads

India: Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Shreyas Iyer, Ravi Bishnoi, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav

New Zealand: Devon Conway (wk), Tim Robinson, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (c), Kristian Clarke, Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, James Neesham, Matt Henry, Michael Bracewell, Zakary Foulkes, Bevon Jacobs