Honestly, if you thought the ODI series between India and New Zealand was going to be a predictable cakewalk for the hosts, you haven’t been watching closely. We just saw a absolute nail-biter in Vadodara. India barely scraped through with a four-wicket win to take a 1-0 lead, but the scorecard doesn't tell the whole story. The "live" energy of this rivalry is shifting.
New Zealand is here without Kane Williamson or Mitchell Santner. Michael Bracewell is pulling the strings as captain. On paper, it looks like a "B-team" versus an Indian side featuring the returning heavyweights Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. But the Black Caps just pushed the world's number-one team to the 49th over. It was tense.
The Virat Kohli Factor and Why 93 Isn't a Failure
Everyone is talking about it. Virat Kohli hitting 93 off 91 balls. He looked like a machine. He surpassed Sachin Tendulkar's record to become the fastest to 28,000 international runs—doing it in 624 innings, which is 20 fewer than the Little Master. That’s insane.
But then he got out.
The stadium went silent. India slipped from a comfortable 234-2 to a shaky 242-5. In the past, a Kohli dismissal during a chase usually meant the game was over. Not this time. While some critics are calling his 90s dismissal a "blunder," he basically set the table. He played with a freedom we haven't seen in a while—lots of jokes, smiles, and aggressive intent. Mohammad Kaif even said on X that Kohli looks so relaxed he might play for another five or six years, well beyond the 2027 World Cup.
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Why the 2nd ODI in Rajkot is Different
The circus moves to the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot on Wednesday, January 14. If you're looking for a cricket match live india vs new zealand update, this is the one to watch. Why? Because India is dealing with a fresh injury headache. Washington Sundar is out with a side strain. He’s been replaced by Ayush Badoni, the youngster from Delhi who has been making waves in the IPL.
Rajkot is usually a highway for batters. Expect runs. Lots of them.
New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell is the man India needs to worry about. He smashed 84 in the first game and seems to treat Indian spinners like club cricketers. He’s got that specific "I don’t care about the reputation" vibe that makes him dangerous.
Realities of the Indian Squad Selection
Let’s be real about the squad. Shubman Gill is the captain, but he’s under immense pressure. He was recently dropped from the T20 World Cup 2026 squad, which was a massive shock to everyone. This ODI series is his chance to prove he’s still the future.
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- Rohit Sharma: Brisk 26 in the first game. He’s looking to go big in Rajkot.
- KL Rahul: The hero of Vadodara. His unbeaten 29 under pressure proved why he's still the designated finisher in this format.
- Harshit Rana: The wildcard. He took two wickets and scored 29. He’s essentially keeping the seat warm while Jasprit Bumrah rests.
- Shreyas Iyer: Scored 49 on his return but needs a big ton to silence the skeptics.
New Zealand isn't just rolling over. Kyle Jamieson was a nightmare for the Indian top order, picking up 4-41. He’s tall, he gets bounce, and on a flat Rajkot deck, his height might be the only thing that saves the Kiwi bowlers from a thrashing.
The Tactical Battle: Bracewell vs. Gill
Michael Bracewell is a gutsy captain. He saw his openers, Devon Conway (56) and Henry Nicholls (62), give them a platform of 117. Then the middle order collapsed. If the Kiwis can actually string two partnerships together, 300 won't be enough. They’ll be looking at 340+.
India’s bowling is a bit of a concern. Without Bumrah or Shami, Siraj and Prasidh Krishna looked a bit expensive early on. Harshit Rana was the one who actually provided the breakthroughs. Keep an eye on the toss in Rajkot—the dew factor is going to be massive. If you're tracking the match live, the team batting second usually has a huge advantage under the lights.
How to Follow the Series Properly
The second ODI starts at 1:30 PM IST on Wednesday. If you're in India, it’s on Star Sports and JioHotstar.
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Honestly, the biggest takeaway from the first game wasn't the win; it was the vulnerability. New Zealand knows they can hurt this Indian lineup. They forced India to rely on their number 8 and 9 batters to finish the game.
Key Insights for Fans
- Watch the Powerplay: If Jamieson gets Rohit or Gill early in Rajkot, India’s middle order will be exposed to a spinning track later in the day.
- The Badoni Debut?: With Sundar out, we might see Ayush Badoni make his debut. He’s a "360-degree" player, and he could be the X-factor India needs if the top order fails.
- Kohli’s Milestone Hunt: He’s on seven consecutive fifty-plus scores in ODIs. If he hits another in Rajkot, he’s entering god-tier territory even by his standards.
- Weather Check: Rajkot in January is usually clear, but the evening dew will make the ball like a cake of soap for the bowlers.
The series is far from over. New Zealand has a real shot at leveling this in Rajkot if their middle order decides to show up. For India, it’s about more than just winning; it’s about finding a bowling rhythm before the T20 World Cup preparations take over in February.
Keep an eye on the live scoreboards. This isn't just another bilateral series; it's a test of depth for both sides as they look toward the 2027 cycle.
Next Steps for Enthusiasts:
Monitor the official BCCI injury updates regarding Shreyas Iyer’s fitness and Washington Sundar’s recovery timeline. Check the pitch report 30 minutes before the 1:30 PM IST toss on Wednesday to see if the grass cover suggests a pacer-friendly start or a total batting paradise.