India vs New Zealand 2nd ODI: Major talking points as Kohli, Rohit and Gill prepare for Wellington

All eyes will be on Rohit Sharma, who failed to make an impact in the first ODI.

India heads into the second ODI in Wellington with a 1-0 lead after a convincing five-wicket victory (DLS method) in a rain-affected series opener in Auckland. While the result gave Shubman Gill’s side an early advantage, the first match offered several talking points ahead of Saturday’s contest. Here are the main areas to watch.

1. Virat Kohli looks in ominous touch

Virat Kohli’s 74 off just 51 deliveries was the defining contribution in India’s chase at Eden Park. He struck 13 fours and a six, bringing up his 80th ODI half-century in the process. His 113-run partnership with Shubman Gill put India firmly in control before a late cluster of wickets. New Zealand will need a better plan against Kohli in Wellington, particularly if he gets another opportunity to bat through the innings.

Wagon wheel from Kohli’s knock in Auckland.

2. Rohit Sharma’s early dismissal raises questions ahead of Wellington

Rohit Sharma endured a disappointing start to the ODI series, falling for a six-ball duck in Auckland after being caught by Mitchell Santner off Kyle Jamieson in the opening over of India’s chase. While one failure is hardly cause for concern, the senior opener will be keen to find his rhythm in Wellington. With New Zealand likely to target him with the new ball again, his ability to negotiate the initial burst of seam movement will be worth watching.

3. India’s pace attack makes a statement

India’s seamers exploited the conditions in Auckland, using short-pitched bowling to unsettle New Zealand’s top order. Arshdeep Singh returned with four wickets, while Gurnoor Brar claimed three. Anshul Kamboj was particularly impressive, conceding just 22 runs in his 10 overs and picking up two wickets. The collective effort will give India confidence heading into Wellington, although the visitors will want to see their attack deliver another disciplined performance against a New Zealand batting unit looking to respond.

4. Anshul Kamboj bounces back in style

Anshul Kamboj had a major impact with the ball in the first ODI.

Kamboj answered a difficult ODI debut against West Indies last month, when he went for 82 in nine overs, with figures of 2/22 from 10 overs and the Player of the Match award. His control, ability to extract movement and composure under pressure offered India another promising pace-bowling option. With Jasprit Bumrah rested and Prasidh Krishna unavailable, the Haryana seamer has an opportunity to strengthen his case for a longer run. Wellington will provide another important examination of his ability to adapt to different conditions.

5. New Zealand’s batting needs a rethink

New Zealand’s 185 all out was a disappointing return, particularly after Tim Seifert provided some resistance with 38. Glenn Phillips made 30, but the host struggled against India’s short-ball approach. Their lower order offered some late resistance through Blair Tickner, whose 34 off 23 balls made him the team’s second-highest scorer. Mitchell Santner’s side will need greater contributions from its established batters in Wellington, especially if it is to avoid falling behind 0-2 in the series.

6. Rain and Wellington conditions could complicate India’s plans

The weather could become another factor in the second ODI, with rain forecast during the afternoon in Wellington. The first match was already shortened by rain, and Saturday’s forecast offers limited assurance of uninterrupted cricket. Wellington’s exposed setting also makes wind and seam movement factors worth watching. New Zealand could look to exploit those conditions with its pace attack, while India will hope its batters can negotiate the new ball and build another substantial partnership.