India posted an emphatic victory in the 1st T20I in Nagpur and now the caravan moves to Raipur, where IND vs NZ go head-to-head on Friday. On paper, the hosts definitely have a stronger team, and would want to continue the winning momentum, in the lead up to the T20 World Cup.
While there are no real changes needed from the previous encounter, there was an injury issue with Axar Patel, who had injured his finger, while attempting a catch. He had rushed out of the park to get some treatment, and his status is currently unknown, So in all probability, he would be replaced.
Insidesport takes a look at the predicted India XI for IND vs NZ 2nd T20I.
Top order remains same
Even though Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan failed in the first match, there is no real threat to their positions, as of now. With Tilak Varma not in the series, they should look to maximise their stay at the crease. Abhishek Sharma, of course plays too, and has been brilliant in the last couple of years.
Axar Patel out, Kuldeep Yadav in
It would one rare occasion where two wrist spinners play together for India — Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav. It looks like Axar will sit out due to injury. That would mean one less all-rounder in the team, but India will still have quite a long batting line up. So no real threat there as well.
Promotion for Hardik Pandya & Rinku Singh
This also means, that it will be a promotion in the batting order for the likes of Hardik and Rinku, who batted well in the first match. Pandya made 25 from 16, while Rinku scored 44 from 20. That might just mean, the two might be able to face a few more deliveries than they actually do.
Predicted India XI
Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy.
