India vs New Zealand 2nd T20 Playing 11 Today Match: India may be forced into a late change for the second T20I against New Zealand in Raipur as vice-captain Axar Patel continues to recover from a finger injury sustained in the series opener at Nagpur.
Axar was hit on his bowling hand while delivering to Daryl Mitchell and did not return to the field, immediately raising concerns ahead of the quick turnaround between matches. With the T20 World Cup just three weeks away, the Indian team management is expected to prioritise player fitness over short-term results.
India vs New Zealand 2nd T20: Will Axar Patel be rested?
Given the minimal recovery window and India’s packed calendar, Axar is likely to be rested for the 2nd T20I as a precautionary measure. His absence could open the door for Kuldeep Yadav, who is almost certain to get a look-in despite Ravi Bishnoi also being part of the squad.
Kuldeep’s inclusion would strengthen India’s spin attack but slightly reduce batting depth, especially with Washington Sundar already ruled out due to injury.
India vs New Zealand 2nd T20 Playing 11: What changes can India make?
India are unlikely to tinker with their top order after a solid showing in Nagpur. The focus will remain on maintaining continuity while managing workloads of key players like Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya.
New Zealand likely to keep faith, minor tweak possible
New Zealand are not expected to make wholesale changes despite the loss in the first T20I. However, the visitors could bring in experienced pacer Matt Henry in place of Kristian Clarke, who struggled to contain runs in Nagpur.
Captain Mitchell Santner may also look to tweak bowling combinations depending on Raipur’s surface, which traditionally offers some assistance to spinners.
IND vs NZ 2nd T20I Predicted Playing 11
India Playing 11 (Predicted):
Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wicetkeeper), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy
New Zealand Playing 11 (Predicted):
Tim Robinson, Devon Conway (wicketkeeper), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (captain), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy
IND vs NZ T20I squads
India: Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Shreyas Iyer, Ravi Bishnoi, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav
New Zealand: Devon Conway (wicketkeeper), Tim Robinson, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (captain), Kristian Clarke, Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, James Neesham, Matt Henry, Michael Bracewell, Zakary Foulkes, Bevon Jacobs