India vs New Zealand 2nd T20I predicted playing XIs: Harshal Patel or Avesh Khan for Mohammed Siraj?

India will be looking to seal a series win for themselves when they face New Zealand in the second T20I on Friday in Ranchi. The new era under new captain Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid started with a thrilling 5-wicket win over New Zealand in the first T20I that helped India take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series on Wednesday in Jaipur.

Chasing 165 for victory, India reached the target in 19.4 overs thanks to outstanding knocks from Rohit (48) and Suryakumar Yadav (62) on a good batting wicket at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.

Rohit and KL Rahul got India off to a good start, scoring 50 runs in just 5 overs to lay a solid platform for their chase before Suryakumar joined forces with his skipper to add another 59 runs for the second wicket.

Ashwin was the pick of the bowlers for India, taking two for 23 in four overs while senior pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/24 in four overs) too got his swing back. The only injury concern that arose from the match for India was that of Mohammed Siraj, who suffered a split webbing while fielding off his own bowling in the last over the New Zealand innings.

While Siraj went on to complete the over, the management might decide not to risk him considering the Test series that will follow the T20Is and the presence of the likes of Harshal Patel and Avesh Khan in the squad. It also remains to be seen whether Yuzvendra Chahal will get a nod but with Ravichandran Ashwin holding fort, it looks unlikely that Dravid and Rohit will look for a change.

For New Zealand, Todd Astle was targeted by the Indian batsman and they may consider either replacing him with the experienced Ish Sodhi or bringing on the latter at the expense of a fast bowler.

India predicted playing XI for 1st T20I: 1. Rohit Sharma (Captain), 2. KL Rahul (Vice-captain), 3. Shreyas Iyer, 4. Suryakumar Yadav, 5. Rishabh Pant (WK), 6. Venkatesh Iyer, 7. Axar Patel 8. R Ashwin, 9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 10. Harshal Patel/Avesh Khan, 11. Yuzvendra Chahal.

New Zealand Predicted Playing XI for the 1st T20I: 1. Martin Guptill, 2. Daryl Mitchell, 3. Glenn Phillips, 4. Mark Chapman, 5. Tim Seifert (WK), 6. Rachin Ravindra, 7. Mitchell Santner, 8. Tim Southee (Captain), 9. Ish Sodhi, 10. Lockie Ferguson, 11. Trent Boult.