New Zealand aim to bounce back in the second ODI against India in Rajkot on January 14, after a four-wicket loss in the series opener. Star batter Henry Nicholls acknowledged the team’s inexperience, urging the batters to build long innings and backing the young bowling unit to find ways to pressure India’s stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
The Kiwis got off to a strong start in the first match with a 117-run opening stand but faltered in the death overs. Nicholls stressed the importance of carrying set batters deep into the innings and taking key wickets to shift pressure onto India.
New Zealand have never won an ODI series in India and face a final chance to stay alive, while India look to seal the series. Washington Sundar has been ruled out with a rib injury, replaced by Ayush Badoni, who could make his debut in the second ODI.
