Siraj in contention to replace Nabi for India's second ODI in Wellington

Team News

India may roll fast bowler Mohammed Siraj into the XI for the second one‑day international in Wellington, potentially swapping him for Auqib Nabi. Siraj, who featured in the recent India A four‑day game against New Zealand A, brings extra speed and experience to a pace attack that already shone in Auckland, where Arshdeep Singh and Gurnoor Brar claimed a combined seven wickets. If Siraj is drafted in, he will open the bowling alongside Arshdeep, while Gurnoor and Anshul Kamboj will handle the later overs. The batting line‑up is expected to stay the same. Shubman Gill will captain, with Rohit Sharma opening despite a duck in the first match, followed by Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (wicket‑keeper), Naman Dhir, Anshul Kamboj, Gurnoor Brar, and the Arshdeep‑Siraj pair at the front. New Zealand’s probable side lists Tim Seifert, Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wicket‑keeper), Glenn Phillips, captain Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Kyle Jamieson, and a choice between Jacob Duffy or Matt Henry, with Blair Tickner as the final bowler.

Context

India’s 1‑0 lead after a rain‑affected win in Auckland puts pressure on New Zealand to level the series, and the inclusion of Siraj could boost India’s bowling firepower for the crucial second match.