IND Vs NZ IInd ODI Updates: Gill’s half-century in Rajkot ODI, ‘Ro-Ko’ remains lackluster; Kiwi pacer becomes victim

IND vs NZ IInd ODI Live Updates: The second match of the three-match ODI series between India and New Zealand is being played at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot, where New Zealand won the toss and decided to bowl first. This decision of the Kiwi captain proved to be completely correct in the initial overs, as the New Zealand bowlers maintained constant pressure on the top order of the Indian team. By the end of 30 overs, Team India has scored 142 runs at the loss of 4 wickets, but looking at the run rate and the condition of the wickets, India does not seem to be completely comfortable right now.

The start of the Indian innings was once again not aggressive. Captain Rohit Sharma failed to play a big innings and was out after scoring 24 runs in 38 balls. His innings definitely included 4 fours, but he did not appear to be in the rhythm for which he is known. There were huge expectations from Virat Kohli, who entered the field after Rohit, but even ‘King Kohli’ could not play a big innings this time. Kohli was out on the bowling of Christian Clarke after scoring 23 runs in 29 balls. His innings included 2 fours, but he could not take the inning forward.

Shreyas Iyer was also expected to handle the team in the middle order, but he also performed disappointingly and returned to the pavilion after scoring only 8 runs in 17 balls. This innings of Iyer proved to be a big blow for India, because at that time the team needed a solid partnership. New Zealand bowler Christian Clarke became the biggest challenge for the Indian batsmen and so far he has taken 3 important wickets and controlled India’s run rate.

Amidst all this, the biggest positive thing about the Indian innings was the brilliant performance of captain Shubman Gill. Gill, holding one end, scored his second consecutive half-century and worked to handle the team under pressure. He played a fast and balanced inning of 56 runs in 53 balls, which included 9 fours and 1 six. Gill’s strike rate remained above 105, which shows that he struck the right balance of aggression and composure as per the circumstances. However, he was also out around 30 overs, which increased India’s problems a bit.

Till the time of writing the news, wicketkeeper KL Rahul is at the crease after scoring 13 runs in 21 balls, while Ravindra Jadeja is supporting him by scoring 11 runs in 23 balls. Now the challenge for both the batsmen is to increase the run rate while managing the innings, so that India can reach a respectable score.

Talking about New Zealand’s bowling, their line-length was quite accurate in the initial overs. The bowlers made good use of swing and seam with the new ball, due to which the Indian batsmen failed to play openly. Especially Christian Clarke has turned the match towards New Zealand by taking wickets at the right time.

Overall, India’s position after 30 overs can be called mixed. Gill’s half-century definitely provides relief, but ‘Ro-Ko’ and Iyer’s early dismissal remains a matter of concern for Team India. Now all eyes are on KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja to see whether they can handle the innings and take India to a strong score or not.