India vs New Zealand, 2nd ODI Match Summary

The 3-match ODI series rolls into Rajkot for the second game at the Niranjan Shah Stadium, a venue that does not see international cricket too often after replacing the Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Ground. Only four ODIs have been played here, and the hosts have lost three. It is also a ground where chasing has been a thankless task. Targets of 300-plus have been set three times, and none have been hunted down. In fact, a team batting second is yet to win here. India's win in the first ODI was largely expected against a depleted New Zealand side, but it came with a few nerves. The hosts waited over 20 overs for their first wicket and leaked 88 runs in the final ten, areas they will want to tighten up. Also, the chase followed a similar script. When everything seemed under control with the big names doing the job, the quick loss of Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja and Shreyas Iyer within 13 balls suddenly spiced things up. A handy knock from Harshit Rana and KL Rahul staying till the end ensured India crossed the line. The Black Caps can take confidence from how close they pushed India on their home turf. Batting remains New Zealand's stronger suit, and it will need to shoulder extra responsibility to shield an inexperienced bowling attack. Changes for the visitors look unlikely after just one game. India, however, are forced into one, with Washington Sundar injured and Ayush Badoni added to the squad. Nitish Kumar Reddy appears to be the likely replacement if the hosts maintain the same team composition. With history firmly favouring teams batting first, the toss could once again be crucial. Whether Rajkot sticks to the script or serves a surprise remains to be seen.