India vs New Zealand 2nd ODI: Short square boundaries could change bowling approach for both teams

Virat Kohli was seemingly unbothered by the short ball barrage by New Zealand as he scored 74 from 51. He was the top scorer from either team. | Photo Credit: AP

After a rain-affected first ODI in Auckland, which India won by five wickets, the teams move to Wellington for the second ODI on Saturday.

Much of the news leading into the series focused on India’s inexperienced pace bowlers; however, Gurnoor Brar, Anshul Kamboj, and Arshdeep Singh have taken the first step toward changing the narrative with strong performances in the first ODI. They will need to maintain that level to threaten a New Zealand batting lineup that plays well to pace.

The Hnry stadium has short square boundaries, which might mean the short-ball approach both teams utilised in the last ODI may require some tweaking.

Arshdeep took the most wickets, but Kamboj made the biggest mark with his economical bowling, aided by the movement he generated and the line discipline he kept.

If Mohammed Siraj is fit and available, he could come back into the side, replacing Auqib Nabi, the only pacer who went wicketless.

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

When looking at the Indian batters, Virat Kohli looked back to his fluent best, while Rohit Sharma will hope to get back amongst the runs to solidify his form before the World Cup next year. The other batters were tested by short balls, and Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel both fell to them.

New Zealand have mixed news in terms of injuries; Devon Conway suffered a concussion after a collision in training, while Matt Henry is set to be okay for the next match.