India vs New Zealand 2nd ODI 2026: Match Preview & Analysis

The second match of the India vs New Zealand ODI series will be an intense match on January 14 in Rajkot, where both teams are fighting to take control of the series in their hands. India comes into Rajkot with some momentum following a tense victory in the first game, whereas New Zealand wants to recover fast.

India demonstrated their balance and experience, particularly under pressure in the first ODI. Their calm approach is a big reason they are so strong at home. New Zealand will feel that sharper execution will help them compete with India.

Rajkot usually offers good batting conditions, which might make this match a high-scoring match. The two teams will want to win on the wicket, and there are a number of top-order batters in form who will capitalise on that.

Recent Performance Overview

India’s recent ODI form has been strong, particularly at home. The series started with a four-wicket victory with six balls remaining. Their composure in the management of the contest and control in the key moments were shown in that victory.

Prior to the present series, India had completed the season with overwhelming wins over South Africa and Australia. Those scores highlighted their batting depth at the plate and expert bowling, which are the major elements of their ODI effectiveness during the last year.

Their only recent loss was to South Africa in a close game, which served to remind them that a game at this level will be decided by slim margins. All in all, the consistency of India leads to their confidence, going into the second ODI.

New Zealand’s recent ODI record is good, though there was a loss at the beginning of the first match. They have chased well against the West Indies and England with calm batting and disciplined bowling.

Despite the initial India-New Zealand ODI being lost, New Zealand remained optimistic that a greater effort would turn the tide in their favour.

Head-to-Head Record

The recent head-to-head record between the two teams in ODIs is heavily skewed towards India. They have won all the past 5 ODI engagements against New Zealand.

This supremacy demonstrates how India can execute plans throughout such important stages as the powerplay and the middle overs. This has also been majorly influenced by the fact that they are more comfortable in their home pitches.

New Zealand will be encouraged by the fact that some of these games were able to stay in contention till the end. The four-wicket defeat in the recent past has shown that they are capable of keeping India within reach if they continue putting the pressure.

Breaking this pattern will be a major objective for New Zealand, and India will want to continue its supremacy in the series.

Key Batters to Watch

Virat Kohli is once again crucial in the batting line-up of India. Kohli has been India’s standout ODI batter with an average of 70.63 and 565 runs in his past ten matches. He is an important character due to his chase mastery.

Top-level stability and experience are offered by Rohit Sharma. His 493 runs in ten games are a sign of consistency and not a hit-and-run performance. The nonchalant attitude of Rohit allows other batters to play with confidence, which is critical in recent encounters.

In the case of New Zealand, Daryl Mitchell is the best bet. He has played eight matches in which he has made 518 runs with an outstanding average of 86.33, which highlights the relevance of the figure. Mitchell will play a critical role in the case of New Zealand if it wants to rival India.

Michael Bracewell provides a balance to the batting unit of New Zealand. In the middle order, he provides stability in the event of early wicket losses, and assists in keeping the momentum in pressure circumstances during the encounters.

Key Batters to Watch Table

Batter	Team	Matches	Runs	Average	Strike Rate
Virat Kohli	India	10	565	70.63	101.61
Rohit Sharma	India	10	493	54.78	93.72
Daryl Mitchell	New Zealand	8	518	86.33	92.17
Michael Bracewell	New Zealand	10	256	28.44	93.09

Key Bowlers to Watch

The bowling attack of India is based on variety and control, and Kuldeep Yadav is the core of this. He has been successful in the middle overs, taking 15 wickets in eight matches at a low economy of 5.61. Kuldeep has a way of disrupting big partnerships with his variations.

The pace option has added value to India through Harshit Rana. Having 12 wickets in 7 matches, he hits early and ensures that the pressure is put on the opposition. One of his weapons is his discipline and aggression, which can be used particularly in favourable circumstances.

Kyle Jamieson is still the most dangerous bowler in New Zealand. His 11 wickets in four matches represent his attack with the new ball. Jamieson can bother even the finest batters, especially in the first overs of the match, with his bouncing and precision.

Zak Foulkes is offering the other part of the control and assistance on behalf of New Zealand. His economy rate of 4.6 helps his team to create pressure and induce batters to make errors. He comes to play the pivotal role when containment is of the essence.

Key Bowlers to Watch Table

Bowler	Team	Matches	Wickets	Economy	Strike Rate
Kuldeep Yadav	India	8	15	5.61	30.6
Harshit Rana	India	7	12	6.29	29.33
Kyle Jamieson	New Zealand	4	11	5.03	19.63
Zak Foulkes	New Zealand	6	9	4.6	28

Squad Balance and Team Combination

The team of India is deep, balanced, and flexible. The combination of experienced players and new blood gives the team numerous options. Good all-rounders like Ravindra Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy provide an additional balance, whereas the bowling team offers both speed and spin.

The ability to adjust to conditions is also one of India's strongest sides. The side can be ready to alter quickly, whether it is by strengthening the batting order or adding an extra bowler.

New Zealand also goes into the match with a balanced team. The combination of the young energy and the experience maintains the balance, and players such as Devon Conway and Glenn Phillips empower the batting core. The bowling unit brings pace, movement, and control, which allows New Zealand to compete successfully in every stage of the game.

Michael Bracewell will be required to lead the team in implementing plans and maintaining the team’s focus when there is pressure.

Match Prediction and Outlook

The India vs New Zealand 2nd ODI has a lot of weight since both sides seek to establish the course of the series. India is the favourite with home advantage, recent form, and better head-to-head record. 

New Zealand gave the tools to step up and take the challenge if their top order fires, and the bowlers strike early, and the bowlers achieve early breakthroughs. They could gain momentum early as they will put the home side under pressure. 

It will be a competitive contest, and the momentum is likely to swing mostly in the middle overs. India has a slight edge, but the strength of New Zealand makes the match close.