Kohli's Dominant Batting Steadies India Amid Growing Injury List
Virat Kohli continues to display commanding form with the bat. His consistent performances are helping India navigate through a growing list of injury concerns. The hosts now face New Zealand in the second ODI on Wednesday. They will push hard to wrap up the series with another victory.
Injury Blows Disrupt India's Plans
India started the series positively with a four-wicket win in Vadodara. However, they immediately suffered a setback. All-rounder Washington Sundar sustained a side strain during the opener. This injury has ruled him out for the remainder of the series.
Selectors have called up Delhi batter Ayush Badoni as a replacement. Yet, team strategy might favor another option. Head coach Gautam Gambhir prefers players who offer multiple skills. This makes young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy a likely inclusion in the playing eleven.
Another significant blow came just before the first match. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was struck while practicing against throw-downs. He has also been ruled out of the entire series. His absence prompted the inclusion of Dhruv Jurel. Jurel provides the team management with flexibility. They can now field an additional specialist batter if needed.
Match Details: India vs New Zealand 2nd ODI
The second ODI between India and New Zealand will be played on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. The match is scheduled to begin at 1:30 PM IST. The toss will take place at 1:00 PM IST.
Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot will host this crucial encounter. Fans can watch the live broadcast on the Star Sports Network. For online viewers, live updates and full coverage will be available on TimesofIndia.com.
Probable Playing Elevens
India (Probable):
- Shubman Gill (Captain)
- Rohit Sharma
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper)
- Nitish Kumar Reddy / Ayush Badoni
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Harshit Rana
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Arshdeep Singh
- Mohammed Siraj
New Zealand (Probable):
- Devon Conway
- Henry Nicholls
- Will Young
- Daryl Mitchell
- Mitchell Hay (Wicketkeeper)
- Glenn Phillips
- Michael Bracewell (Captain)
- Kristian Clarke
- Kyle Jamieson
- Zak Foulkes
- Adithya Ashok / Jayden Lennox
Pitch and Weather Conditions in Rajkot
The pitch at Niranjan Shah Stadium is expected to heavily favor batters. Experts predict a high-scoring run-fest. The surface traditionally offers true bounce and consistent carry. Stroke-makers can play with confidence as the ball comes nicely onto the bat. There is minimal unpredictability, allowing batters to score freely.
Weather conditions in Rajkot look perfect for cricket. Forecasts indicate clear skies throughout the day with no threat of rain. Temperatures will peak around 28°C during the afternoon. They may drop to nearly 14°C in the cooler evening hours.
Full Squads for the Series
India Squad: Shubman Gill (Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper), Dhruv Jurel (Wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ayush Badoni, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana.
New Zealand Squad: Michael Bracewell (Captain), Devon Conway (Wicketkeeper), Mitchell Hay (Wicketkeeper), Nick Kelly, Henry Nicholls, Will Young, Josh Clarkson, Zak Foulkes, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Adithya Ashok, Kristian Clarke, Kyle Jamieson, Jayden Lennox, Michael Rae.
India will rely heavily on Virat Kohli's experience and current form. They must manage their injury crisis effectively to secure a series win against a determined New Zealand side.
