The second T20I between India and New Zealand kicked off with a pivotal toss win for the hosts at Raipur’s international stadium. Suryakumar Yadav’s call to bowl first underscored tactical nous amid dew concerns and a need to chase after the opener’s loss by 48 runs.
India’s lineup saw key absences: Axar Patel out injured, Bumrah benched for rotation, with Harshit Rana and Kuldeep Yadav stepping up to fortify pace and spin.
Kiwis overhauled their side with trio of changes—Seifert, Henry, and Foulkes in for Robinson, Jamieson, and Clarke—gearing for a robust response.
Yadav post-toss: ‘Bowling first due to dew and chase practice. We focus on holistic improvement. Two swaps: Axar hurt last game, Bumrah rested.’
Santner: ‘Same choice for us. Lessons from tough tours. Three alterations: Seifert replaces Robinson, Foulkes for Clarke, Henry joins.’
India’s eleven: Samson (keeper), Abhishek, Ishan, SKY (c), Pandya, Dube, Rinku, Rana, Arshdeep, Kuldeep, Chakaravarthy.
New Zealand: Seifert (wk), Conway, Ravindra, Mitchell, Phillips, Chapman, Santner (c), Foulkes, Sodhi, Henry, Duffy.
Pressure mounts on India post-ODI reverse. T20 ledger: India 13 wins, NZ 10, 3 ties (NZ edge). Series decider looms in three venues ahead.