New Zealand’s aggressive batting exposed India’s weaknesses with the ball. With another batting-friendly pitch expected, the visitors will need to improve their performance to stop the hosts from scoring freely.

India need better performance from bowling attack

India’s fifth and sixth bowling options remain a concern, especially with all-rounders yet to make a strong impact in the absence of Hardik Pandya.

In the series opener, Nitish Kumar Reddy conceded 40 runs in four overs without taking a wicket. Naman Dhir did not get an opportunity to bowl before making a match-winning contribution with the bat.

India’s regular bowlers also struggled. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, playing his first match for India in nearly four years, conceded 49 runs in his four overs. He also bowled two no-balls and two wides.

New Zealand openers Finn Allen and Tim Seifert attacked Bhuvneshwar and Arshdeep Singh during the powerplay, putting both bowlers under pressure.

India vs New Zealand 2nd T20I: Squads

India: Shreyas Iyer (c), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Tilak Varma (vc), Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Naman Dhir, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Kumar Kushagra (wk).

New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Tim Seifert, Nathan Smith.