India vs New Zealand LIVE Updates, 2nd T20I: Bhuvneshwar Kumar Takes 1st Wicket In 4 Years; NZ 2 Down

New Zealand (Playing XI): Finn Allen, Tim Seifert(w), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Bevon Jacobs, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner(c), Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson.

Oct 24, 2026 12:17 (IST)

IND vs NZ Live Score: India's Playing XI

India (Playing XI): Sanju Samson(w), Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Shreyas Iyer(c), Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Naman Dhir, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav.

Oct 24, 2026 12:16 (IST)

India vs New Zealand Live: Here's what Santner said at the toss

"(On the 1st T20I) They are a very good team, and I think we missed the mark slightly. That comes from the way they approach their game. It was a great game of cricket in the end. Losing in the last over is disappointing, but there were obviously many positives. We need to execute the small details better and see what happens. (On the preparation for this match) Training was optional. We had a morning session, and we only got back here around 2 a.m. Therefore, it was a day to refresh, especially with the games coming thick and fast. I think the guys rested well and should be ready to go today. (On the changes) Duffy comes in for Milne. With the number of games we have coming up, not just T20s but one-day internationals as well, there will be some rotation among the senior players, especially with a lot of Test cricket coming up. It is nothing to do with performance; it is just a bit of rotation, and we will see what Duffy can do tonight," said New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner. 

Oct 24, 2026 12:14 (IST)

IND vs NZ Live Score: Here's what Iyer said at the toss

"We're going to bowl first. Yes, absolutely. That's one of the reasons (On dew being a factor). We have had a little bit of time to recover and catch up on some sleep. Everyone is in decent shape, I would say. Some of the players, including myself, do their training on match day. So, we are in a good place. It is important to maintain the aggression and repeat the things we did well in the first game. In addition, we need to be proactive in the field and ensure we don't have an extra fielder inside the circle, especially in the last over. Ishan is injured, so Vaibhav comes in for him. Prince comes in for Mayank, which is just a tactical change. He is going to bat at number three (on Vaibhav's batting position)," said India skipper Shreyas Iyer. 

Oct 24, 2026 12:03 (IST)

India vs New Zealand Live: Toss

India skipper Shreyas Iyer wins the toss, opts to bowl against New Zealand in the second T20I of the five-match series at the Hagley Oval, Christchurch. 

Oct 24, 2026 11:57 (IST)

India vs New Zealand Live: Here's what Bhuvneshwar said

"(On being back in Indian colours) I enjoyed it a lot. I think there's no greater feeling than representing your country, so it's good to be back. (On his comeback) It's been simple. I never thought about it. I just kept doing my work and what needed to be done. I played a lot of domestic cricket, but honestly, I never thought about making a comeback. I just kept playing domestic cricket and tried to do well there. Luckily, it's come full circle. My last tour was to New Zealand, and now I'm back here again. (On T20 being a batting-friendly game) I know how good batters they are (on Finn Alen and Tim Seifert), and especially the conditions, they are more favourable to batsmen - in general in T20 it is. But still I think it's all about preparation," said Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Oct 24, 2026 11:47 (IST)

India vs New Zealand Live: Poor outing for Bhuvneshwar

To compound India's bowling woes, front-line bowlers too were at the receiving end in the series-opener. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, bowling in his first India game in nearly four years, was not at his sharpest and leaked 49 runs in his full quota of overs. His two no-balls and as many wides suggested that he needs more time to get up to speed.

Oct 24, 2026 11:46 (IST)

IND vs NZ Live Score: India's bowling concerns

The fifth and sixth bowling options have been a concern for India with the all-rounders not yet doing justice to those roles in the absence of an injury-prone Hardik Pandya. On Thursday, Nitish Reddy went wicket-less and leaked 40 runs in his four overs while Naman Dhir did not get to bowl before he produced a match-winning effort with the bat.

Oct 24, 2026 11:43 (IST)

India vs New Zealand Live: Who will open for India?

With Vaibhav Sooryavanshi likely to return, India are likely to open with two left-handers in him and Abhishek Sharma and shift Samson to No.3. This might also open the window for the Kiwis to bring an off-spinner up front, at which India struggled during the T20 World Cup 2026.

Oct 24, 2026 11:32 (IST)

IND vs NZ Live Score: Here's what Kotak said

"If Ishan doesn't play, unless he recovers completely, which the medical team will advise, Vaibhav could definitely step in for him. He is one of the strongest contenders," the coach said.

Oct 24, 2026 11:31 (IST)

IND vs NZ Live Score: India batting coach's big hint on Sooryavanshi

While speaking at the pre-match press conference, India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak hinted that the teenager might get an opportunity. He made the remark before the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced that Kishan would miss the game.

Oct 24, 2026 11:30 (IST)

India vs New Zealand Live: Ishan Kishan ruled out

India's number three batter Ishan Kishan has been ruled out of the second T20I against New Zealand, and that opens the door for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who has been warming the bench for quite a long time now. The 15-year-old was the Player of the Series in the T20Is against Zimbabwe and then played the Asian Games semi-final and final for India.

Oct 24, 2026 11:30 (IST)

India vs New Zealand Live: Will Sooryavanshi play?

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's potential return has grabbed the headlines again as India gear up to face New Zealand in the second T20I of the five-match series. Sooryavanshi, if he gets the nod, would be licking his lips as the second match will also be played at the same venue and on the same pitch which hosted the 455-run feast across the two innings.

Oct 24, 2026 11:25 (IST)

IND vs NZ Live Score: India lead 1-0

The rescue act by the batters was impressive but India's bowling attack needs to find its rhythm and figure out a way to contain a rather destructive New Zealand in the second T20I. As has been the case of late, the batters saved the day for India after the bowlers endured another ordinary outing. The record chase of 226 gave the visiting team a crucial 1-0 lead but it also highlighted frailties that can cost the side heavily in the remainder of the five-match series.

Oct 24, 2026 11:16 (IST)

India vs New Zealand Live Score: Hello

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the 2nd T20I of the five-match series between India and New Zealand, straight from Hagley Oval, Christchurch. Stay tuned for all the live updates.