IND vs NZ 2023: 5 players to watch out for in 2nd ODI

India kicked off the three-match One-Day International (ODI) series against New Zealand with a 12-run triumph. After the win in the first ODI in Hyderabad, India will now look to beat the Black Caps in Raipur and take an unassailable lead of 2-0. In the previous game, the visitors displayed spunk while chasing a colossal target of 350.

While the bowling attack of the hosts came across as frail, to compete well in the second ODI, India will endeavour to improve their bowling as they avoided a close scare in the last fixture.

Noting New Zealand's performance in the first game, the second ODI won't be a piece of cake for Rohit Sharma and his men. On the other hand, the Black Caps will be filled with confidence despite facing a loss as they fought valiantly. For both teams, there are some faces who will be key to winning the 2nd ODI on January 21.

Here are five players to watch out for in the Raipur ODI 

5. Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep Yadav looked amazing in the first ODI against New Zealand as he took a couple of scalps and gave 43 runs in eight overs at an economy of 5.37. With the wickets of the key batters Henry Nicholls and Daryl Mitchell, he played a crucial role in decimating the top order of the Black Caps.

Previously, in the ODI series against Sri Lanka as well, he snared five wickets in two matches at an economy of 4.46. After Yuzvendra Chahal’s disappointing bowling display in the first ODI against Sri Lanka, the team showed faith in Kuldeep to lead the spin attack. So far, he has done his job excellently in the absence of Chahal, and in the second ODI, he will look to continue his form.  

In the crucial match in Raipur, his role will be important as India will look to outplay the opponents and seal the series. Till now, he has claimed 13 wickets against New Zealand in seven ODI matches at an economy of 5.54. In this series, he will look to make his record better against the Kiwis.