New Zealand Playing XI vs India, 2nd T20I, 2026- Jamieson to be replaced, Conway dropped?

New Zealand probable XI Vs India [Source: AFP Photo]

New Zealand was riding high on confidence after beating India in the ODI series, but the team was brought down to Earth in the first T20I as the Men in Blue dominated the Kiwis to clinch the first T20I in Nagpur. While India was outstanding across departments, the same cannot be said about the visitors.

New Zealand lacked the cutting-edge, and the team needs to rejig their strategy for the second T20I match on Friday. Perhaps, a couple of changes could be made by the side to win the second game of the series and ahead of the next match, we take a look at New Zealand’s probable XI.

Top order: Devon Conway, Tim Robinson, Rachin Ravindra

Should Conway be replaced for second T20I?

While Tim Robinson has done well and should be an automatic pick in the playing XI, the same is not the case with Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra. The two have done well in bits and pieces, but they lack consistency and aggression at the top.

(Conway, Ravindra T20I stats in 2025)

• While Ravindra has done well in 2025 in the shortest format, the same cannot be said about Conway, who has struggled for runs and strike rate.
• While Ravindra’s strike rate in 2025 has touched 150, Conway languished at around 125, and this has hampered the Kiwi preparation. However, despite Conway’s poor form, the Black Caps are likely to persist with him for one more game.
• They don’t have a designated opener apart from him and Robinson, and the changes are likely to take place if he fails in the second game as well.

Middle order: Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitch Santner

New Zealand is a team that hardly chops and changes after a solitary loss, and expect the same pattern to continue in the second T20I as well. In Phillips, Mitchell, and Chapman, the Kiwis have an explosive middle-order, and with Mitch Santner’s hitting ability, they have an explosive lineup that can take down any attack.

Bowlers: Kristian Clarke, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, Ish Sodhi

Why Henry over Jamieson

• In the bowling department, the Kiwis are likely to make one change - Matt Henry in place of Kyle Jamieson. Henry has been nursing an injury and he didn’t take part in the first T20I, but if the pacer is fit, he should automatically be included in the lineup.
• Jamieson conceded 54 runs in four overs in the first game against India, and he lacked control against the Indian batters. This won’t be an issue with Matt Henry. He has 40 wickets in 31 T20I matches, and will bring in control and accuracy against the Indian batters inside the powerplay.
• Apart from his bowling, Kristian Clarke can also chip in with runs, and he will also be included in the lineup.
• Ish Sodhi, another bowler from the Kiwi team, went for plenty in the first T20I, but he still remains their best spinner on Indian conditions, and the Black Caps will hope that he can come good against India on Friday.

New Zealand probable XI for 2nd T20I

Tim Robinson, Devon Conway(w), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner(c), Kristian Clarke, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy