Wed Jan 14 13:20:00 UTC 2026: # India Opts for Experience: Reddy Replaces Injured Sundar in Second ODI Against New Zealand

The Story:
In the second ODI between India and New Zealand held in Rajkot, New Zealand won the toss and chose to bowl. India made one change to their playing XI, replacing the injured Washington Sundar with Nitish Kumar Reddy. While Ayush Badoni was initially included in the squad as Sundar’s replacement, Reddy was ultimately chosen for the playing eleven. The decision highlights coach Gautam Gambhir’s preference for experienced all-rounders, specifically seam-bowling all-rounders.

Key Points:

  • The second ODI between India and New Zealand is being played in Rajkot.
  • New Zealand won the toss and elected to bowl.
  • Nitish Kumar Reddy replaced the injured Washington Sundar in the Indian playing XI.
  • Ayush Badoni, who was initially included in the squad as Sundar’s replacement, did not make the playing eleven.
  • Coach Gautam Gambhir preferred the experienced seam-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy over Ayush Badoni, who is an off-spin bowler.
  • Nitish Kumar Reddy has played 2 ODIs, scoring 27 runs with a highest score of 19.
  • India’s playing XI includes Shubman Gill (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (Wicket-keeper), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, and Mohammed Siraj.
  • India won the first ODI by 4 wickets.

Key Takeaways:

  • Team management prefers experienced players for crucial matches.
  • Seam-bowling all-rounders are currently favored over off-spinners.
  • Winning the toss significantly influences the team’s strategy.

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