India and New Zealand are set to clash in the second T20I of their five-match series today at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur. India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, aims to extend their lead in the series to 2-0, while New Zealand, captained by Mitchell Santner, will be looking for a strong comeback after a disappointing performance in the series opener. The toss is scheduled for 6:30 PM IST, with the first ball to be bowled at 7:00 PM IST.

India is coming off a near-perfect performance in the first T20I, providing a sense of relief for coach Gautam Gambhir after suffering a 1-2 ODI series loss the previous week. The team will be looking to maintain their momentum in the T20 format, especially with the 2026 T20 World Cup on the horizon. This series serves as a crucial tune-up for both sides ahead of the mega ICC event. India, under Suryakumar Yadav, remains unbeaten in T20I series since their 2024 World Cup win.

In the first T20I, Abhishek Sharma was the star performer with the bat, smashing 84 off just 35 balls, which included 8 sixes and 5 fours. Rinku Singh also impressed with an unbeaten 44 off 20 balls. Suryakumar Yadav also contributed with a valuable 32 off 22 balls. However, there is room for improvement, particularly for Suryakumar Yadav, who is aiming to regain his pristine touch with the bat. All eyes will also be on Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan, who both had starts in the first game but failed to capitalize. Samson, who replaced Shubman Gill in the T20 World Cup squad, will be keen to find his rhythm after falling for 10 in the first game.

Despite Axar Patel suffering a finger injury in the first T20I, he is expected to be fit for the second game. The team is unlikely to make any changes to the winning combination, meaning Shreyas Iyer may not get a place in the playing XI. India will aim to gain an early lead in the series, putting pressure on New Zealand to win the remaining games.

New Zealand, on the other hand, will be under pressure to bounce back after a lackluster bowling performance in the first T20I. They will need to address their bowling concerns and come up with a strategy to contain the in-form Indian batting lineup.

The match in Raipur promises to be an exciting contest between two strong T20I sides. India will be looking to continue their winning streak, while New Zealand will be desperate to level the series.