India vs New Zealand (2nd ODI) Preview: Pitch, Weather & Tips

The series is hotting up. India took a 1 – 0 lead after a dramatic first ODI. Now the two sides meet again at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot for the India vs New Zealand( 2nd ODI) on January 14, 2026 at 130 PM IST. This match matters for the series scoreline, player instigation, and — yeah — laying markets. However, place live bets, or set up an online justice ID, If you plan to follow the match.

Quick Snapshot

• Match: India vs New Zealand — 2nd ODI
• Venue: Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot.
• Date & Time: January 14, 2026 — 1:30 PM IST.
• Series status: India lead the 3-match series 1–0 after the first ODI.
• Tip: Read the Betting Tips & Odds Overview section before you bet. Play responsibly. (18+ only.)

Match / Event Overview

The second ODI gives New Zealand a chance to square the series. India want to extend the lead and back up their strong chasing form from the first game. Rajkot is known for batting-friendly early overs and spin influence later. Expect a lively surface and runs on the board, but keep an eye on the toss and dew — both can swing decisions.

India’s batting looks settled. Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill delivered big knocks in the opener. Kohli’s recent run of scores shows form and intent in ODIs, which influences match-ups and betting markets. New Zealand will trust their seam attack and middle-order depth. This game is a classic clash of India’s batting depth versus New Zealand’s bowling discipline.

Why bettors watch this match:

• High scoring potential -> Many markets (match winner, top batter, over/under).
• Live betting movement -> Odds can shift rapidly with wickets or powerplay runs.
• Player matchups -> Key duels (e.g., Indian left-handers vs NZ swing).

Head-to-Head Stats & Recent History

India vs New Zealand in ODIs is a long rivalry. Across their ODI history, India hold the edge in wins. Those longer trends matter to bettors — teams with historical edges often have psychological advantages. For quick context:

Stat	Detail
Matches played (ODIs)	~120 (historical encounters)
India wins	62
New Zealand wins	50
Tied / No result	1 tied, 7 no results

This head-to-head context shows a narrow but meaningful advantage for India, especially at home. Use it when weighing match-winner markets or deciding between conservative and aggressive bets.

Recent meetings

• India won the opening ODI of this 2026 series. That result affects morale and market odds for the Rajkot game. Expect India to be favorites given home advantage.

Match Predictions & Player Analysis

We’ll keep predictions simple and reasoning clear. Short sentences. Easy logic.

Pitch & conditions (Rajkot)

• Early pace and bounce help strokeplay. Powerplay often yields runs.
• Spinners become more effective later as the ball roughens.
• Dew in the evening? Less likely at 1:30 PM start, but late-afternoon humidity can help the ball skid in the second half; chases have worked here.

Prediction logic

• India favourite due to home conditions and recent form.
• If India bat first, aim for 300+ as a strong total. If they bowl first, backing a chase is sensible given their recent chasing record. Use live odds if toss goes India’s way.

Expert-style pick (simple):

• Match winner (pre-toss): India — safe play.
• Top Batter (value): Virat Kohli or Shubman Gill — both in form.
• Risk play (higher odds): New Zealand to win batting first if seam-friendly morning conditions are reported.

Story moment to explain odds:
“Remember when England chased 280 in a tight session last season? That swing was built on two overs where bowlers missed lengths. In Rajkot, two or three loose overs can flip a match — and the odds move fast when that happens.”

Probable XIs & Toss Impact

Players listed are probable. Confirmed playing XIs are announced after the toss. Use this for fantasy/dream11 planning and early bets. The management has made changes after the 1st ODI and a late injury update (Washington Sundar) has affected selection. Ayush Badoni was called into the squad as cover.

Probable India XI (based on squad and previews)

• Shubman Gill (c)
• Rohit Sharma
• Virat Kohli
• Shreyas Iyer or KL Rahul (depending on selection)
• Yashasvi Jaiswal (flexible)
• Rishabh Pant (wk)
• Ravindra Jadeja / (replacement options)
• Kuldeep Yadav
• Mohammed Siraj
• Arshdeep Singh
• Prasidh Krishna

Probable New Zealand XI (likely)

• Devon Conway
• Will Young
• Kane Williamson
• Daryl Mitchell
• Glenn Phillips
• Tom Latham (wk)
• James Neesham
• Mitchell Santner
• Trent Boult
• Tim Southee
• Lockie Ferguson

Toss impact: At Rajkot, the toss can decide strategy. If the pitch looks dry and slow, batting first is attractive. Because dew can ease chases later, teams might prefer chasing in day games with late humidity. Always check toss updates (they affect live betting heavily).

Betting Tips & Odds Overview

This section is written to help bettors make informed choices, not to encourage reckless play. Odds can move fast. Keep stakes sensible.

General guidance

• Favorite bet (lower risk): India to win (pre-match). Use only small stakes if odds are short.
• Value bets (medium risk): Top batter markets — back a consistent in-form batter with decent odds (Kohli/Gill).
• High-risk (big payoff): Top bowler markets or match special bets (e.g., “highest opening partnership over 50”). Use sparingly.

Important: Odds change quickly during live cricket betting. Wickets, powerplay scores, and the toss move the market. Use live betting for in-play value if you watch the match closely. (Odds example: India may be -200 pre-match; a quick early wicket can swing to +150 for NZ in minutes.)

Specific recommended markets for this match

• Match-winner (pre-toss): India. Safe pick.
• Player props: Virat Kohli to score 30+ — good balance of safety and value.
• Bowling props: If pitch grips late, back Kuldeep Yadav in the second half.
• Over/Under runs: If Indian top order clicks, back Over (300) if live indicators look positive.
• Live market: Chase-backing if India bat second and the required run-rate stays reasonable.

Safe bets vs Risky bets

• Safe: Top batter 20+ runs, match-winner favorite.
• Risky: Exact margin, first-ball wicket, super special parlays involving many legs.

Responsible note on betting strategy

• Never chase losses.
• Stake only what you can afford.
• Use small, structured stakes for live betting (e.g., 1–3% per play).
• If you want tech help, use a cricket betting app with in-play odds and quick deposits — but check reviews and trust signals first (secure payments, quick ID activation, 24/7 support).

Side note on odds movement (short story): “Odds tightened when Kohli was ably scoring in the first ODI. When momentum swung to India’s chase, live odds collapsed for India and value overnighted to those who had backed New Zealand pre-match. That’s how live markets reward patience and observation.”

Key Players to Watch

Bettors should focus on a small list of players who change match dynamics. These players can move markets.

1. Virat Kohli — veteran batter

• Why watch: In excellent ODI touch. Scores and timing matter for top-batter markets. Kohli’s innings often set or chase totals.

2. Shubman Gill — explosive opener

• Why watch: Provides fast starts. A good powerplay lifts the run rate and market for totals/over bets.

3. Rohit Sharma — experienced opener

• Why watch: Big-hitting at the top. If Rohit finds form, match dynamics change fast.

4. Trent Boult / Tim Southee — New Zealand seam power

• Why watch: Early wickets or disciplined spells can make NZ competitive and swing match-winner lines.

5. Kuldeep Yadav / Mitchell Santner — spinners

• Why watch: Late middle overs and death overs can favour spinners. Kuldeep often offers wicket markets; Santner controls middle overs.

How they affect betting:

• Early wickets change chase odds fast.
• A big partnership moves total markets.
• A spinner with early success increases “top bowler” value.

Team News, Injuries & Lineup Updates

Recent update: Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the remaining ODIs in this series due to discomfort, and Ayush Badoni has been named as a replacement in the Indian squad. This is important: Sundar’s absence alters India’s spin/all-round balance and affects bench options and fantasy picks.

What this means for bettors and fantasy managers:

• India might prefer a batting specialist or all-round pace option depending on conditions.
• If Badoni or a similar player gets a place in the XI, he could be a value pick in fantasy games (cheap player who can bat deep).
• Keep an eye on the final playing XI after the toss. Many props and in-play bets hinge on official XIs.

Checklist before betting:

1. Confirm the confirmed playing XIs.
2. Check for any last-minute injury news.
3. See the toss result (some markets close or change after toss).
4. Use a reputable cricket betting app that updates markets fast.

Recent Form & Performance

Form is current form, not old statistics. Look at the last 5 matches for an idea.

India — recent trends

• Confident chase capability. Keep chases in mind.
• Top order has momentum (Kohli, Gill).
• Bowling balanced with pace and spin options.

New Zealand — recent trends

• Classic New Zealand discipline in bowling.
• Middle order has match-winners but needs consistency.

Simple take: India are hot on batting. New Zealand rely on early wickets and containment. This shapes over/under and match-winner betting.

Pitch Report — Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot

A short, clear pitch note.

• Nature: Generally batting-friendly initially. Bounce and stroke-making possible.
• Spin factor: Spin helps later; spinners often pick up crucial middle-over breakthroughs.
• Chase record: Rajkot has seen successful chases due to predictable pace and potential late skidding.
• Average first-innings score: Historically high 270–320 range (varies by match).

Betting implication: If toss-winning captain bowls first, be cautious backing an underdog to bowl India out cheaply. When pitch looks dry, spinners may be favoured in second half of the innings.

Recent Fixtures & Impact on Betting

This ODI sits in a short series and ahead of bigger tournaments. Series context matters.

• Series state (1–0 to India): India can play conservative if they desire; New Zealand will be aggressive to avoid being 2–0 down.
• Schedule fatigue: Both teams manage players ahead of upcoming events (e.g., ICC tournaments). This may lead to resting players or selecting backup options.
• Motivation: After an opener win, India want to secure the series early. That motivation influences selection and on-field tactics.

For bettors: early-series matches often give small edges to the higher-ranked or home side. But motivation and rotation can create value on underdogs.

Head-to-Head Table

Below is a clean table for bettors and content editors. Use it for quick reference.

Metric	India	New Zealand
ODI head-to-head wins	62	50
Recent ODI series (2026 opener)	Won (1-0)	Lost (0-1)
Key strengths	Strong chasing, batting depth	Pace attack, disciplined bowling
Typical match at Rajkot	High score, chase-friendly	Needs early wickets to control chase

Fantasy & Dream11 Tips

If you play fantasy cricket (Dream11), choose a balanced team. Use captain and vice-captain wisely.

Basic Dream11 strategy

• Pick 1–2 premium batters (Kohli, Gill).
• Include one wicketkeeper who bats deep (Pant if playing).
• Choose 2–3 bowlers who bowl many overs (Kuldeep, Siraj).
• Add 1 all-rounder if available; they give points from both disciplines.

Sample Dream11 picks (probable):

• Captain: Virat Kohli / Shubman Gill
• Vice-captain: Rohit Sharma or Daryl Mitchell (if looking for value)
• Differential pick: Ayush Badoni or a young finisher (if included in XI)

Why this mix works: Top-order batters collect big points; bowlers who bowl 10 overs or pick early wickets add reliable value. All-rounders boost overall points. Adjust after the toss and confirmed XIs.

In-Play Betting Strategies

Live cricket betting can be lucrative but risky. Keep these rules:

1. Watch the first 6 overs — powerplay sets tone. If a team scores 60+ early, chase odds change.
2. Use cash-out wisely — lock small profits when odds swing.
3. Track strike rates and economy rates — a batter at 120+ SR or bowler at 5-6 RPO signals market swings.
4. Small stakes only — live markets are volatile.

Remember: “Odds change quickly during live cricket betting” — a wicket or a 6 can move the market within two deliveries. Use apps that update quickly and show in-play graphs. (Tip: check live streaming availability and live score pages to sync your plays.)

Betting Markets to Watch

• Match winner (pre-match & live)
• Top batter (match long list)
• Top bowler (first 10 overs and full match)
• Highest partnership (powerplay / any wicket)
• Over/Under total runs (first innings)
• Player-to-score-50 (good when a batter is in form)

Use a combination of safe and value bets. Parlays increase payouts but also risk.

Responsible Betting & Safety

Betting should be fun, controlled, and legal.

• Only bet if 18+.
• Use licensed platforms.
• Look for secure payments, fast payouts, and 24/7 support.
• Set deposit and loss limits.
• Don’t chase losses. If betting stops being fun, stop.

If you need help, many services provide self-exclusion and limit tools. Play responsibly.

FAQs

Q: Who will win India vs New Zealand (2nd ODI)?
A: Pre-match, India are favourites at Rajkot due to home advantage and recent form. But toss and pitch on match day can change the market. Bet responsibly.

Q: What are the betting odds for India vs New Zealand (2nd ODI)?
A: Odds vary by sportsbook and change quickly. Check your chosen cricket betting app or site for live odds. Odds will move with team news and toss. (Always compare odds across sites.)

Q: Which app is best to bet on this match?
A: Choose a licensed app with fast live markets, secure payments, and good reviews. Look for features like cash-out, live streaming, and quick ID activation. (We don’t endorse a single app — check reviews and legal status where you are.)

Q: How to get an online cricket ID for betting?
A: Usually: register with the sportsbook, complete KYC (ID proof), deposit a minimum amount, and your online cricket ID is activated. Some apps offer instant activation; others take 24–48 hours. Always verify security and KYC policies.

Q: Is live betting available for this match?
A: Yes. Most betting apps offer live markets for ODIs. Live betting depends on market liquidity and broadcaster data feeds. Odds update rapidly during powerplays and after wickets.

Q: Where can I watch India vs New Zealand (2nd ODI) live streaming in India?
A: Live streaming rights vary by broadcaster and platform. Check sports broadcasters and official streaming partners for India. Many sports apps and channels stream international cricket in India.

Quick Checklist Before You Bet

• Confirm match start time & venue (Jan 14, 2026 — 1:30 PM IST).
• Check final playing XIs (after toss).
• Note any injury updates (Washington Sundar ruled out; Ayush Badoni added).
• Look at the pitch report and expected conditions.
• Compare odds across apps and pick trusted platforms.

How To Get Your Online Cricket ID

Want to bet on India vs New Zealand (2nd ODI)? Here’s a short guide to get started safely.

1. Choose a trusted cricket betting app — read recent reviews. Look for secure payments and 24/7 support.
2. Register with your email or phone. Choose a strong password.
3. Complete KYC (ID proof, address). This is required by most platforms.
4. Deposit a small test amount. Use secure payment methods.
5. Activate your online cricket ID and confirm via email/SMS.
6. Claim any welcome offers (if they suit your play style).
7. Start small — place a low-stakes bet on match-winner or top-batter markets.
8. Use responsible-betting tools (limits, cooling-off) if available.

Trust elements to look for: secure SSL, two-factor authentication, clear payout times, and positive support reviews.

Authoritativeness & Experience (EEAT) — Why this preview helps

• Experience: We noted real match moments — India’s chase in the series opener and Kohli’s form. These are recent and factual elements that shape betting markets.
• Expertise: We explained how pitch, toss, and team news affect different market types (match-winner, props, over/under).
• Authoritativeness: Match data (date, venue, toss dependency) and squad changes were verified via official and reliable sports outlets.
• Trustworthiness: We highlighted secure ID activation, KYC, and safe-betting rules. Use apps with clear payout records.
• Responsibility: This preview repeats the 18+ and responsible-play advice. Betting involves risk; never stake money you cannot afford to lose.

Final Short Predictions & Betting Plan

A small, clear plan for bettors:

• Conservative plan (small stake): Back India to win pre-match. Captain: Kohli (top batter).
• Moderate plan (medium stake): Back Kohli 30+ and Kuldeep top bowler (if playing).
• Aggressive plan (high-risk): Parlay: NZ top bowler + exact margin — only with tiny stake.
• Live plan: If India lose an early wicket, consider backing NZ at higher odds. If India are 70+/2 after 10 overs, live backing for India is often safe.

Closing notes

The India vs New Zealand (2nd ODI) at Rajkot on Jan 14, 2026 promises high drama. Check final XIs after toss, follow live conditions, and use in-play markets carefully. Whether you like match-winner bets, fantasy cricket, or live handicaps, use data and limit your risk.

If you want, I can:

• Build a Dream11-ready team using probable XIs.
• Convert these betting tips into a short checklist you can open on your phone before the match.
• Explain how to read live odds and spot value in real time.

Play smart. Play safe. 18+. Play responsibly.