India National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Match: India will face New Zealand in the second T20 International of the five-match series at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur on Friday, January 23. The hosts lead the series 1-0 after winning the opening match. India were likely to stick with the same playing XI, but an injury concern could force a change. All-rounder Axar Patel suffered a cut to his finger in the first T20I and remains doubtful for the Raipur game. If he fails to recover in time, the team management will need to look at alternatives.

India’s top order is expected to remain unchanged. Sanju Samson, who had a quiet outing in the series opener, will look to make amends, while Abhishek Sharma will aim to continue his strong form after a match-winning performance in the first game. The middle order will again be anchored by Ishan Kishan and captain Suryakumar Yadav, with Hardik Pandya and Rinku Singh set to handle the finishing duties. Suryakumar will be eager for runs as he looks to regain consistency. If Axar is ruled out, India are likely to bring in Kuldeep Yadav to maintain a balanced bowling attack. The option of adding an extra pacer is considered less likely, given India already have sufficient pace resources.

The bowling unit is expected to be led by Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, with Varun Chakaravarthy continuing to spearhead the spin attack. Varun has been in good wicket-taking form and could benefit from support at the other end if Kuldeep comes into the XI.

India’s predicted XI: Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy.