India vs New Zealand 2nd ODI Match Preview – January 14, 2026

Match Details

• Date: Wednesday, January 14, 2026
• Time: 08:00 GMT / 1:30 PM IST
• Venue: Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot
• Series: New Zealand tour of India – 2nd ODI
• Live Streaming: JioCinema / Hotstar
• Live Score: ESPNcricinfo

Match Context

India and New Zealand are locked in a thrilling three-match ODI series, following a nail-biting 4-wicket win by the hosts in the first match. The second ODI at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot promises to be another high-scoring encounter, given the nature of the venue and the form of both teams.

Team Form and Key Players

India

India made a strong statement in the first ODI with a clinical chase of 300+ thanks to a brilliant 93-run knock from Virat Kohli, supported by Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer. The bowling unit, led by Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna, delivered under pressure to secure the win.

Key Players to Watch:

• Virat Kohli: The run-machine is in scintillating form and remains the backbone of the Indian batting line-up.
• Shubman Gill: The young opener has been in great touch and is expected to play a pivotal role.
• Harshit Rana: The left-arm pacer has been India's most consistent bowler in the series.
• Mohammed Siraj: Provides late-order threat with his pace and ability to swing the ball.

Probable Playing XI:
Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (C), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna

New Zealand

New Zealand put up a competitive total of 300+ in the first ODI, thanks to half-centuries from Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, and Daryl Mitchell. However, their bowling unit faltered under pressure, with Kyle Jamieson being the standout performer, taking 4 wickets.

Key Players to Watch:

• Devon Conway: The opening batter has been in sublime form and is the heartbeat of New Zealand’s innings.
• Daryl Mitchell: The all-rounder has been a consistent performer and is expected to play a crucial role with the bat and ball.
• Kyle Jamieson: The pacer has been New Zealand’s most successful bowler and could trouble the Indian batters with his pace and bounce.

Probable Playing XI:
Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Hay (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell (C), Josh Clarkson, Kyle Jamieson, Zak Foulkes, Adithya Ashok

Pitch and Weather Report

The Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot is known for its batting-friendly surface. The pitch bounces well and offers true bounce, which suits aggressive batting. The outfield is quick, and boundaries are easily reachable. The pitch might offer some assistance to spinners in the middle overs, but it remains a generally batting-friendly track.

• Batting Pitch: 75%
• Bowling Pitch: 25%
• Dew Factor: Likely to play a role in the second innings.

Head-to-Head and Series Context

India has the upper hand in the head-to-head record against New Zealand in ODIs, but the series is wide open with both teams having something to prove. India's recent ODI form has been strong, while New Zealand looks to bounce back after the first match.

Match Predictions

• Toss Prediction: New Zealand
• Win Prediction: India
• Top Batter (Runs): Virat Kohli (India) / Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand)
• Top Bowler (Wickets): Harshit Rana (India) / Kyle Jamieson (New Zealand)
• Most Sixes: Virat Kohli (India) / Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand)
• Player of the Match: Virat Kohli (India)
• Expected Team Totals:
  • India: 310+
  • New Zealand: 310+

Fantasy Cricket Tips

Must-Have Players:

• Virat Kohli (India | BAT) – In sensational form, must-have in every fantasy team.
• Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand | ALLROUNDER) – A consistent performer in all departments.

Avoid:

• Zak Foulkes (New Zealand | ALLROUNDER) – Has not performed well in the first ODI.

Conclusion

The second ODI promises to be a high-scoring, action-packed match at a batting-friendly venue. India will look to capitalize on their momentum from the first game, while New Zealand will aim to bounce back and take the series. With Virat Kohli in top form and Daryl Mitchell leading the charge for New Zealand, it's set to be an exciting contest between two evenly matched teams.

Stay tuned for live updates, commentary, and highlights of the match on our website and social media.