Key points
- India lead the three-match ODI series 1-0 after a five-wicket win in the rain-affected opener in Auckland.
- The second ODI is scheduled for Saturday, November 7, at Hnry Stadium in Wellington.
- Mohammed Siraj, who joined the squad after playing the second four-day match for India A against New Zealand A, is tipped to replace Auqib Nabi.
- India’s predicted XI retains Shubman Gill as captain, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli at the top, with KL Rahul as wicketkeeper.
- New Zealand’s predicted XI includes Tim Seifert, Will Young, Henry Nicholls and captain Mitchell Santner.
- The Indian Express lists Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy as competing for one place in New Zealand’s predicted pace attack.
Mohammed Siraj could return to India’s playing XI for the second ODI against New Zealand in Wellington, with the fast bowler tipped to replace Auqib Nabi in the predicted line-up. India head into Saturday’s match, November 7, with a 1-0 lead after winning the rain-affected series opener in Auckland by five wickets.
The Indian Express report expects the team management to retain most of the combination that delivered the opening victory. Siraj is the potential change after linking up with the squad following his appearance in the second four-day match for India A against New Zealand A.
Siraj emerges as the likely change
Siraj’s possible inclusion would add international experience and pace to the attack. The report suggests he could partner Arshdeep Singh with the new ball, while Gurnoor Brar and Anshul Kamboj remain part of the supporting bowling group.
Arshdeep and Gurnoor shared seven wickets in the first ODI, underlining the contribution of India’s pace attack in the opening match. The predicted selection question is therefore whether the team management opts to bring Siraj into the XI or backs Auqib Nabi for another game.
The Indian Express lists the possible selection as Auqib Nabi or Mohammed Siraj rather than presenting the change as confirmed. The final decision will be known only when the teams are announced before the match.
India expected to keep batting order intact
India’s top order is expected to remain unchanged. Shubman Gill is listed as captain, with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli following at the top of the order. Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel and wicketkeeper KL Rahul are also included in the predicted combination.
Naman Dhir and Anshul Kamboj feature in the lower half of the projected XI, alongside the pace options. The report expects Rohit to retain his opening position despite being dismissed for a duck in the first ODI. Gill and Kohli will be central to India’s plans as the visitors look to extend their advantage in the series.
India’s predicted XI is Shubman Gill (captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Naman Dhir, Anshul Kamboj, Auqib Nabi or Mohammed Siraj, Gurnoor Brar and Arshdeep Singh.
New Zealand weigh pace options
New Zealand’s predicted line-up is led by Mitchell Santner, with Tom Latham named as wicketkeeper. The batting group in the projection includes Tim Seifert, Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips, while Nathan Smith, Kyle Jamieson and Blair Tickner are listed among the bowling options.
The report identifies a possible selection call between Jacob Duffy and Matt Henry for the remaining pace-bowling place. The predicted XI names Duffy or Henry, leaving the final composition dependent on the team’s decision ahead of the Wellington contest.
The Indian Express article also provides separate squad lists for the first three and final two games of the series. There is an apparent difference between those lists and its New Zealand predicted XI: Tim Seifert appears in the projected team, while the Games 1-3 squad list names Devon Conway instead. This is a prediction, not an official team announcement, and the confirmed XI should take precedence.
Series position gives India an early advantage
The second ODI gives India an opportunity to take an unassailable lead in the three-match series. New Zealand, meanwhile, need a win in Wellington to level the contest and take the decider to the final match.
The match is scheduled for Hnry Stadium in Wellington on Saturday. With India carrying a 1-0 advantage, attention will focus on whether Siraj gets the nod and whether New Zealand make the changes suggested by the predicted combination. Both teams’ official playing XIs will settle the selection questions on match day.
Frequently asked questions
Will Mohammed Siraj play in the India vs New Zealand 2nd ODI?
Mohammed Siraj is in contention to replace Auqib Nabi in India’s predicted XI. Siraj joined the squad after playing the second four-day match for India A against New Zealand A. His selection is not confirmed; the official team will be announced before the match.
Where will the India vs New Zealand 2nd ODI be played?
The second ODI is scheduled to take place at Hnry Stadium in Wellington on Saturday, November 7, 2026. India lead the series 1-0 after winning the rain-affected first match in Auckland by five wickets.
What is India’s predicted playing XI for the second ODI?
The predicted XI is Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul, Naman Dhir, Anshul Kamboj, Auqib Nabi or Mohammed Siraj, Gurnoor Brar and Arshdeep Singh. Gill is listed as captain and Rahul as wicketkeeper.
Who is likely to miss out if Mohammed Siraj returns?
The report identifies Auqib Nabi as the player who could make way for Siraj. It presents the selection as a possibility rather than a confirmed change, with the final decision expected when India announce their playing XI in Wellington.
What is New Zealand’s predicted playing XI for the Wellington ODI?
The projected side includes Tim Seifert, Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Kyle Jamieson, Blair Tickner and either Jacob Duffy or Matt Henry. The published team announcement will confirm the final combination.