India’s Predicted Playing XI for 2nd T20I vs New Zealand: Kuldeep Yadav to Feature
As India prepare for the second T20 International against New Zealand in their ongoing five-match series, selection talk ahead of Friday’s clash in Raipur is dominating headlines. After a commanding 48-run victory in Nagpur in the series opener, fans and pundits are closely watching India’s predicted Playing XI, with Kuldeep Yadav tipped to replace Axar Patel amidst concerns over fitness, and Shivam Dube expected to retain his all-round role.
India began the series with a bang at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur, posting a formidable total thanks to an explosive batting display. Opener Abhishek Sharma starred with a blistering 84 off 35, while Rinku Singh provided supportive firepower with a quick 44 off 20*. The bowlers backed up the batting effort by restricting New Zealand to 190 all out as India took a 1-0 lead in the T20I series.
Going into the second encounter at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, selectors are expected to consider balance and tactical depth. The key talking point is the fitness of Axar Patel, India’s vice-captain and spin-all-rounder. While there’s no official word from the BCCI, reports suggest Axar could miss out due to a finger injury sustained in the first T20I. If Axar is unavailable, Kuldeep Yadav is strongly in line to come into the XI to bolster India’s spin attack alongside Varun Chakravarthy. Including Kuldeep adds a wrist-spin variation that could be crucial on Raipur’s slower pitch.
The batting order is likely to see Sanju Samson partnering Abhishek Sharma at the top, with Ishan Kishan providing flexibility at No. 3. Suryakumar Yadav, leading the side, will anchor the middle order, supported by hard-hitting all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube. Rinku Singh’s finishing prowess may again be pivotal in capitalising on late-innings momentum.
In the bowling department, India will lean on Jasprit Bumrah for his death-bowling expertise, while Arshdeep Singh offers left-arm pace threat. Varun Chakravarthy’s mystery spin, combined with Kuldeep’s wrist spin if selected, gives India a rich spin variety capable of exploiting any turn or uneven bounce.
Although changes are expected, the core of India’s setup remains unchanged. The team management will want to sustain the aggressive momentum generated in the first match, while also ensuring that combinations are tested and refined ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. With the World Cup less than a month away co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka these T20Is are not just about winning the series but also about fine-tuning roles, strategies, and balance.
For New Zealand, responding to India’s strong performance is a priority as they aim to level the series. The Kiwis will look to their own top order and bowling discipline to seize control in Raipur and shift momentum. The pitch report suggests slower conditions, which might assist spinners and make tactical bowling crucial.
The 2nd T20I in Raipur promises another exciting chapter in this India–New Zealand series, with India’s predicted XI reflecting a blend of youth, experience, and strategic considerations. Whether Kuldeep replaces Axar and how the batting order handles the middle overs will be decisive elements as the Men in Blue aim for a 2-0 lead and build confidence ahead of bigger challenges.
India began the series with a bang at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur, posting a formidable total thanks to an explosive batting display. Opener Abhishek Sharma starred with a blistering 84 off 35, while Rinku Singh provided supportive firepower with a quick 44 off 20*. The bowlers backed up the batting effort by restricting New Zealand to 190 all out as India took a 1-0 lead in the T20I series.
Going into the second encounter at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, selectors are expected to consider balance and tactical depth. The key talking point is the fitness of Axar Patel, India’s vice-captain and spin-all-rounder. While there’s no official word from the BCCI, reports suggest Axar could miss out due to a finger injury sustained in the first T20I. If Axar is unavailable, Kuldeep Yadav is strongly in line to come into the XI to bolster India’s spin attack alongside Varun Chakravarthy. Including Kuldeep adds a wrist-spin variation that could be crucial on Raipur’s slower pitch.
The batting order is likely to see Sanju Samson partnering Abhishek Sharma at the top, with Ishan Kishan providing flexibility at No. 3. Suryakumar Yadav, leading the side, will anchor the middle order, supported by hard-hitting all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube. Rinku Singh’s finishing prowess may again be pivotal in capitalising on late-innings momentum.
In the bowling department, India will lean on Jasprit Bumrah for his death-bowling expertise, while Arshdeep Singh offers left-arm pace threat. Varun Chakravarthy’s mystery spin, combined with Kuldeep’s wrist spin if selected, gives India a rich spin variety capable of exploiting any turn or uneven bounce.
Although changes are expected, the core of India’s setup remains unchanged. The team management will want to sustain the aggressive momentum generated in the first match, while also ensuring that combinations are tested and refined ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. With the World Cup less than a month away co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka these T20Is are not just about winning the series but also about fine-tuning roles, strategies, and balance.
For New Zealand, responding to India’s strong performance is a priority as they aim to level the series. The Kiwis will look to their own top order and bowling discipline to seize control in Raipur and shift momentum. The pitch report suggests slower conditions, which might assist spinners and make tactical bowling crucial.
The 2nd T20I in Raipur promises another exciting chapter in this India–New Zealand series, with India’s predicted XI reflecting a blend of youth, experience, and strategic considerations. Whether Kuldeep replaces Axar and how the batting order handles the middle overs will be decisive elements as the Men in Blue aim for a 2-0 lead and build confidence ahead of bigger challenges.
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