India-NZ second ODI: Focus on playing XI as Men in Blue hope to seal series

India vs New Zealand

The second ODI between India and New Zealand is set for today, January 14, 2026, at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium (also known as Niranjan Shah Stadium) in Rajkot, starting at 1:30 PM IST. India, led by Shubman Gill, currently holds a 1-0 lead in the three-match series after a convincing four-wicket victory in the opener at Vadodara, where they chased down 249 with contributions from Virat Kohli (93) and KL Rahul (unbeaten 48), snapping New Zealand's nine-match ODI winning streak. The Men in Blue will be eager to seal the series with a win here, especially on a typically batting-friendly Rajkot pitch that favors high scores and could see dew factoring into the evening under lights.

A key focus is on India's playing XI, as all-rounder Washington Sundar has been ruled out for the series due to a rib injury sustained in the first match, with Delhi's Ayush Badoni called up as his replacement. This has sparked debate on who fills the all-rounder slot: the seam-bowling Nitish Kumar Reddy (already in the squad and eyed for long-term development ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup) or the spin-bowling Badoni, whose recent domestic form includes useful off-spin. Head coach Gautam Gambhir's choice could signal priorities for India's ODI future, with most experts leaning toward Reddy for his pace option and potential to bowl 5-10 overs. Additionally, Prasidh Krishna's expensive spell (0-62 in 8 overs) in the first ODI might see him replaced by Arshdeep Singh for better death-over control.