IND vs NZ: Will Axar Patel play second T20I against New Zealand?
(Courtesy : Getty Images)
Axar Patel sustained a cut on his finger during the first IND vs NZ T20I in Nagpur.
Axar Patel’s availability for the upcoming second T20I between India and New Zealand will be in focus, given he suffered an injury in the first match that was played in Nagpur on January 21. India won the game by 48 runs to go 1-0 up in the series.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and asked India to bat first. While India lost Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan for cheap, Abhishek Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav steadied India’s ship with a 99-run partnership. Surya made 32 in 22 balls, and then Hardik Pandya hammered 25 in 16 balls.
Abhishek Sharma was the star, with 84 in 35 balls with eight sixes and five fours. India got a fiery finish courtesy of Rinku Singh, who made 44* in 20 balls with three sixes and four boundaries as India finished with 238/7.
In response, Glenn Phillips made 78 and Mark Chapman made 39, but New Zealand managed only 190/7.
Axar Patel in doubt for the second T20I match between India and New Zealand; Kuldeep Yadav possible replacement
The second T20I between India and New Zealand will be played at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur, on January 23, Friday. One of the biggest questions will be vice-captain Axar Patel’s availability for this game.
Notably, Axar Patel suffered an injury to his left-hand index finger in an attempt to stop a powerful shot from Daryl Mitchell off his own bowling. Axar left the field with the physio with a bleeding finger and didn’t return to complete his bowling quota.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has remained mum on the fitness of Axar Patel and hasn’t shared anything about the progress of his injury. There is a huge possibility that Patel might not play in the second T20I in an effort to give his injured finger some more time to heal, given that it is also his bowling hand.
In case Axar Patel is ruled out of the second T20I between India and New Zealand, India have the option of playing Kuldeep Yadav or Ravi Bishnoi as his replacements.
As India opted for Arshdeep Singh as the second proper pacer with Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav was benched for the first T20I. Yadav has impressive numbers with 90 wickets in 50 T20Is with an economy of 6.82, with best bowling figures of 5/17.
On the other hand, Ravi Bishnoi has 61 wickets in 42 T20Is at an economy of 7.35 and best bowling figures of 4/13. India also have the option of playing Harshit Rana if they want a long batting lineup, especially after Rana’s brilliant showing with the bat in the third and final ODI against New Zealand.
What happened to Axar Patel in first T20I between India and New Zealand?
Axar Patel, who made 7 runs and picked 1/42 in 3.3 overs, suffered a bloody index finger on his left hand trying to catch Daryl Mitchell of his own bowling.
When will the second T20I between India and New Zealand be played?
The Second T20I between India and New Zealand will be played on Friday, January 23, 2026.
Where will the second T20I between India and New Zealand be played?
The second T20I between India and New Zealand will be played on Friday, at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur.
For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.
Where passion meets insight — blending breaking news, in-depth strategic analysis, viral moments, and jaw-dropping plays into powerful sports content designed to entertain, inform, and keep you connected to your favorite teams and athletes. Expect daily updates, expert commentary and coverage that never leaves a fan behind.