India eye series clincher as NZ look to bounce back today

RAJKOT, Jan 13 (IANS): Following a narrow four-wicket win in the series opener at Vadodara, India will face New Zealand in Rajkot on Wednesday as they look to clinch the series by taking an unassailable lead in the three-match contest.

The two sides will lock horns at the Niranjan Shah Stadium, a typically batting-friendly surface, where the Black Caps will aim to level the series while the hosts look to go 2-0 up.

India's playing XI for the second ODI is set to see at least one change after Washington Sundar was ruled out of the remainder of the series due to injury. The all-rounder has been replaced by Ayush Badoni in the squad, with the 26-year-old receiving his maiden ODI call-up. Captain Shubman Gill faces a familiar selection dilemma after several fringe players stepped up under pressure.

The first match showed that while veterans like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma remain crucial, the inclusion of relatively inexperienced players such as Harshit Rana is reshaping the team's tactical approach. As the action shifts to Rajkot, the team management must decide whether to persist with the successful combination or rotate bowlers to manage workloads.

India have now clinched eight consecutive ODI wins over New Zealand since 2023. At home, they have secured eight straight ODI victories against the Kiwis since 2017.

The series opener also saw India complete their second-highest successful ODI chase against New Zealand, behind the 316-run chase achieved in Bengaluru in 2010.

New Zealand responded strongly in the first game. It appeared they were out of contention when Kohli and Iyer were dominating and India looked set for a comfortable win. However, the Black Caps showed impressive resilience before India eventually crossed the line. Rohit Sharma got India off the mark but was dismissed inside the power-play, while Gill started cautiously against the new ball before finding his rhythm once Kohli joined him at the crease.

The Kiwis showed character with both bat and ball. After a steady start, a mid-innings slump threatened to derail them before Daryl Mitchell's composure guided them to a competitive total.