India vs New Zealand 2nd T20I Preview, Raipur | Date & Probable XI

India vs New Zealand 2nd T20I Preview, Raipur | Date & Probable XI  & Match Analysis

India and New Zealand lock horns once again as the action shifts to Raipur for the 2nd T20I of the five-match series. After a dominant performance in Nagpur, where India chased down a big total with authority, the hosts walk into this contest as clear favourites. However, as history suggests, T20 cricket is unpredictable, and New Zealand will be desperate to hit back and keep the series alive.

With the T20 World Cup less than a month away, both teams are using this series to fine-tune combinations, test bench strength, and sharpen roles. Friday evening in Raipur promises a packed stadium, high-intensity cricket, and several intriguing subplots.

Match Details

Match: India vs New Zealand 2nd T20I

Date: January 23, 2026

Time: 7:00 PM IST (1:30 PM GMT)

Venue: Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium

Series Context: India Setting the Tone

India’s crushing win in the 1st T20I sent a clear message. Despite New Zealand posting a competitive 190, the Indian batting lineup made the chase look almost routine. New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner summed it up best when he admitted that against this Indian side, there is no room to “squeeze a few quiet moments.” From ball one, bowlers are under pressure.

India’s success in T20Is over the past few years has been built on relentless batting depth. Even after winning the World Cup two years ago, their intensity and returns have not dipped. With home conditions and crowd support firmly on their side, India look like a team peaking at the right time.

Venue & Pitch Report: What to Expect in Raipur

The Raipur stadium is a 60,000-capacity venue, and a big, partisan crowd is expected. Interestingly, this ground remains something of an unknown in T20Is. It has hosted only one T20I before, back in 2023, while an ODI in December 2025 saw India score 358, only for South Africa to chase it down.

Pitch Insights:

Generally good for batting

Even bounce helps stroke-play

Pacers may get movement early under lights

Spinners could come into play as the match progresses

A high-scoring encounter is very much on the cards, especially with dew likely to play a role in the second innings.

Team News & Updates

India

India face a minor concern with Axar Patel, who injured his left index finger while fielding in Nagpur. With a short turnaround between matches, his availability remains uncertain.

If Axar misses out, India face a selection dilemma. Kuldeep Yadav offers a spin option but slightly weakens batting depth. Ideally, Washington Sundar would have been the like-for-like replacement, but he is ruled out of the series due to a side strain.

Despite this, India’s core remains strong, and the management is unlikely to make drastic changes.

Probable XI – 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

New Zealand showed flashes of brilliance with the bat in Nagpur but struggled to contain India’s hitters. While it may be early in a five-match series to panic, the visitors could be tempted to tweak their bowling attack.

The experience of Matt Henry could be brought in to add discipline and control, especially during the powerplay and death overs.

Probable XI – 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

Key Players to Watch

🔹 Rinku Singh (India)

Rinku continues to redefine the role of a finisher. A staggering 35.8% of his T20I runs have come in the final two overs, underlining his calmness under pressure and brutal hitting at the death.

🔹 Sanju Samson (India)

Samson’s T20I numbers tell a tale of two seasons. A phenomenal 2024 was followed by a quiet 2025. With 2026 underway, all eyes are on whether he can rediscover his explosive best.

🔹 Glenn Phillips (New Zealand)

Since 2025, Phillips has scored 500 runs in 16 T20I innings at a strike rate close to 150. His power and athleticism make him a constant threat.

🔹 Mitchell Santner (New Zealand)

Santner remains one of the most economical spinners in India. Among bowlers with 50+ T20I overs in the country, his economy of 6.80 is elite, bettered only by Rashid Khan and Ravindra Jadeja.

Key Stats & Trivia

India have won most home T20I series convincingly since 2023

Rinku Singh averages more runs in the last two overs than any other Indian batter in recent years

Glenn Phillips has been New Zealand’s most consistent T20I batter since 2025

Raipur has seen successful high chases, suggesting captains may prefer to bowl first

What They Said

“I don’t feel six-hitting is a high-risk game. I always think about what the team needs in the first six overs.”
— Abhishek Sharma

“Jacob Duffy has taken that senior bowling role for us. When he swings it up top, it’s great to watch.”
— Mitchell Santner

 

Match Prediction: Who Has the Edge?

On paper and form, India clearly start as favourites. Their batting depth, familiarity with conditions, and crowd support give them a significant advantage. New Zealand, however, are not far off. If they tighten their bowling plans and execute better in key moments, they can still challenge India.

Prediction:

India: 65% chance to win

New Zealand: 35% chance to bounce back

Final Thoughts

The India vs New Zealand 2nd T20I in Raipur is more than just another bilateral contest. With the World Cup around the corner, every performance carries weight. India will look to reinforce their dominance and extend their lead, while New Zealand aim to fight the growing sense of inevitability surrounding this Indian side.

For fans, this match promises fireworks, big runs, tactical battles, and yet another chapter in one of international cricket’s most competitive modern rivalries.

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