![New Zealand will face IND in 2nd ODI on Jan 14 [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1768288287024_NZplayingXIfor2ndODIvsIND2026(1).jpg?type=hq)
New Zealand will face IND in 2nd ODI on Jan 14 [Source: AFP]
On Wednesday, January 14, New Zealand will lock horns with India in the second ODI of the ongoing three-match series. The highly anticipated encounter will be played at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. India have a crucial 1-0 lead in the series, having won the first match comfortably in Vadodara. Therefore, the hosts would like to sustain their dream run and add the series to their kitty by winning the second ODI.
Talking about New Zealand, the tourists gave a tough fight to the Men in Blue in Vadodara despite missing their several key players. Led by Michael Bracewell, New Zealand not only posted a respectable total of 300 runs but also made India toil during the run-chase with a disciplined bowling effort.
Having said that, New Zealand might tweak their lineup a bit in order to stun the Indians and restore parity in the series. As the stage is set for a cracking face-off, here we analyse and predict New Zealand's likely playing XI for the second ODI against India.
Top Order: Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Will Young/Josh Clarkson
Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls to open; questions over Will Young's place
| Criterion | Data |
| Innings | 19 |
| Runs | 332 |
| Average | 18.44 |
| Strike Rate | 78.86 |
(Will Young in ODIs since 2025)
Devon Conway and Henry Nicholls were instrumental in powering New Zealand to a competitive total in the first ODI against India. They formed a magnificent 117-run partnership for the first wicket, ensuring a solid foundation for the touring party.
While Conway and Nicholls provide New Zealand with a stable opening pair, questions have been raised over Will Young's place in the playing XI due to the batter's inconsistency and a prolonged lean patch.
Since the start of 2025, Will Young has been one of New Zealand's worst ODI batters, scoring 332 runs across 19 innings at a miserable average of 18.44 and a strike rate of 78.86. His dismal returns have hampered the team success, also jeopardising his place as New Zealand's regular number three batter in ODIs.
However, given Will Young's past heroics and experience, the BlackCaps might give him another opportunity to showcase his mettle in the India ODIs. If he is dropped from the team, allrounder Josh Clarkson might replace Young in the New Zealand playing XI.
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Middle order and allrounders: Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Hay, Michael Bracewell
Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell and Kyle Jamieson to form NZ core
Experienced middle-order batter Daryl Mitchell had a dream outing in the ODI series opener against India. Coming at number four, Mitchell slammed 84 runs off just 71 balls, justifying his stature as one of the most impactful ODI batters in recent times.
Apart from the veteran cricketer, the allrounders' duo of Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell will be key to New Zealand's success in the second ODI against India in Rajkot. Besides playing quick-fire knocks, these two players will also chip in with the ball, posing a serious challenge to the Indian batters on Rajkot's spin-conducive pitch.
Bowlers: Kyle Jamieson, Zak Foulkes, Kristian Clarke, Jayden Lennox
Jamieson, Foulkes locked in; Jayden Lennox to replace Adithya Ashok?
Despite getting Shubman Gill's prized scalp, Adithya Ashok had a forgettable time with the ball in the first ODI against India. The young leg-spinner was taken to the cleaners, especially by Shreyas Iyer, conceding 55 runs in his six-over spell and thereby paving the way for a smooth Indian win.
Therefore, with the threat of a series defeat looming large, New Zealand might consider dropping the leg-spinner and bringing Jayden Lennox as his replacement. Known for his accuracy and impressive returns in the domestic circuit, Jayden Lennox has bagged 69 wickets across 54 List-A matches at a magnificent economy of 4.86 and hence, thereby, can boost the BlackCaps' bowling unit with his left-arm off-spin.
Kyle Jamieson, who emerged as New Zealand's wrecker-in-chief with a tremendous four-wicket-haul in Vadodara, is expected to lead the visitors' pace attack in Rajkot. The tall seamer will likely be accompanied by Zak Foulkes and Kristian Clarke, who could get another chance to prove himself due to his batting exploits in the Vadodara ODI.
New Zealand's likely playing XI for 2nd ODI vs India: Devon Conway, Henry Nicholls, Will Young/Josh Clarkson, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Hay (WK), Michael Bracewell, Zak Foulkes, Kristian Clarke, Kyle Jamieson and Jayden Lennox
