Fans react as India’s top order crumbles, losing four wickets cheaply against New Zealand in 2nd ODI at Rajkot

Jan 14, 2026

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Fans react as India's top order crumbles losing four wickets cheaply against New Zealand in 2nd ODI at Rajkot

In a stunning turn of events at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot, the second ODI of the New Zealand tour of India on Wednesday, saw a dramatic top-order collapse that left the home crowd in a state of disbelief. After securing a narrow victory in the series opener at Vadodara, India entered this day-night clash with the aim of clinching the series. However, the visitors had different plans, dismantling the world-renowned Indian batting engine with disciplined, high-quality pace and spin.

Early collapse rattles India against New Zealand in Rajkot

New Zealand captain Michael Bracewell made a bold decision to field first, a move that initially seemed questionable as India’s openers, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, navigated the first 10 overs with relative ease. The pair brought up the 50-run mark in just 8.4 overs, playing some exquisite drives that signalled another high-scoring day in Rajkot.

The tide turned in the 13th over when Kristian Clarke induced a rare error from Rohit. The Hitman, looking to clear mid-off, sliced a cross-seam delivery to Will Young at sweeper cover, departing for 24. While captain Gill continued his fine form to reach a fluent 56 off 53 balls, his dismissal in the 17th over by Kyle Jamieson triggered the real panic. India went from a comfortable 99/1 to a precarious 118/4 in just under seven overs.

The biggest blow to the Indian camp was the departure of Virat Kohli. Having recently surpassed Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run-scorer in international history, Kohli looked set to anchor the innings. Instead, he was stunned by a slower delivery from Clarke, dragging the ball onto his stumps for 23. Shortly before, Shreyas Iyer fell for 8, chipping a catch to Bracewell, leaving the middle order exposed and the run rate plummeting.

Fans stunned as India struggles for momentum in 2nd ODI

The reaction on social media and in the stands was one of collective anxiety. Fans, who had expected the Rajkot surface to be a “flat track” paradise, watched in silence as the boundaries dried up. Following the flurry of wickets, India went through a grueling period of 63 balls without a single boundary, highlighting the stranglehold New Zealand’s bowlers—particularly Jayden Lennox and Bracewell—had over the game.

By the 30th over, India stood at 142/4, with KL Rahul (13*) and Ravindra Jadeja (11*) attempting to piece together a shattered innings. The scorecard told a tale of two halves:

  • Powerplay 1: 57/0 (India in control)
  • The Squeeze (Overs 21–30): Only 20 runs for the loss of 2 wickets.

The absence of Washington Sundar (ruled out due to a rib injury) meant Nitish Kumar Reddy was drafted in, but the burden fell squarely on the shoulders of Rahul and Jadeja. For New Zealand, Clarke emerged as the hero of the afternoon, boasting figures of 3/37 in 6 overs. As the match moves into the final twenty overs, India face a massive uphill battle to post a total that can challenge the disciplined Black Caps.

Also READ: Virat Kohli replaces Rohit Sharma as the No. 1 ODI batter; Travis Head makes big leap in ICC Test rankings

Here’s how fans reacted:

Also READ: IND vs NZ: Who replaces injured Washington Sundar? Here is India’s playing XI for the Rajkot ODI

For latest cricket news & updates, visit CricketTimes.com.

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