Bumrah Rested, Axar Out: Big Changes as India Bowl First in Raipur T20I

India made two changes to their playing XI for the second T20I against New Zealand at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium on Friday, with senior pacer Jasprit Bumrah rested and all-rounder Axar Patel ruled out due to injury. The hosts, leading the five-match series 1–0, opted to bowl first after winning the toss.

India captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed at the toss that Bumrah was rested as part of workload management, while Axar Patel missed the match after suffering a finger injury in the opening T20I at Nagpur. Pacer Harshit Rana and wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav were brought into the side as replacements, giving India additional pace and spin options on a surface expected to assist bowlers early on.

Explaining the decision, Suryakumar said the team wanted to take advantage of early dew and preferred chasing, having not done so in recent matches. He added that the pitch appeared similar to one used during the ODI series and looked good for batting later in the evening. The Indian skipper also stressed that the team was focused on continuous improvement across all departments rather than chasing perfection.

Also Read: India's Predicted XI vs NZ: Kuldeep Yadav In, Axar Patel Out After Finger Injury

Bumrah’s absence was not due to fitness concerns, with the team management opting to rotate the veteran fast bowler to manage his workload during the long home season. With multiple international assignments lined up, the Indian camp has been cautious in handling key players, especially frontline fast bowlers.

New Zealand, meanwhile, made three changes following their defeat in the first T20I. Tim Seifert, Zakary Foulkes and Matt Henry were included in place of Tim Robinson, Kristian Clarke and Kyle Jamieson, as the visitors looked to bounce back and level the series.

India fielded a balanced XI featuring Sanju Samson as wicketkeeper, a strong middle order led by Suryakumar and Hardik Pandya, and a varied bowling attack combining pace and spin. New Zealand relied on experienced batters such as Devon Conway and Glenn Phillips, alongside captain Mitchell Santner, to challenge the hosts in the crucial second encounter of the series.

Also Read: IND vs NZ 2nd T20I: Suryakumar Wins Toss, Opts to Bowl; NZ Race Away in Raipur