India-NZ 2nd T20I: Probable Playing XI
Having bagged the 1st T20I with a sweeping victory against New Zealand, India will look to seal the series with a win in the 2nd T20I in Rajkot. For the Kiwis, who lost their number 1 ranking after first match debacle, it is a must win game to level the 3-match series. Let us look at the possible playing XI for both sides.
This could be India's probable XI
With Ashish Nehra's retirement freeing up a spot, one of the squad players from Mohammed Siraj, Manish Pandey, Dinesh Karthik could be roped in for the Rajkot T20I. Indian side's playing XI could include- Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, MS Dhoni, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal.
Chance for Chahal to become joint-highest wicket-taker this year
With 3 more wickets, Yuzvendra Chahal can become the joint-highest wicket-taker in T20Is this year.
How could the Kiwis line up?
We may finally see the experienced Ross Taylor playing for the Kiwis, making a comeback after 19-month long exile from T20 Cricket. He could come in place of Tom Bruce. The New Zealand probable XI could be: Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson, Colin Munro, Ross Taylor, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Colin de Grandhomme, Mithchell Santner, Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Ish Sodhi.
Pitch and average score
Rajkot is traditionally known to favour batsmen and with early winter conditions, dew could play a role in shaping up the match. The average first innings score here in the last two IPL seasons is 169. Only one T20I match has been played in Rajkot.
