Overview
- The ICC update pushed Virat Kohli to the top of the ODI batting rankings on 785 points, with Daryl Mitchell on 784 and Rohit Sharma down to No. 3 on 775.
- In the second ODI, Kohli became India’s leading ODI run‑scorer against New Zealand on his first ball faced, then was bowled by Kristian Clarke for 23.
- KL Rahul anchored India with an unbeaten 112, the first ODI century by an Indian at Rajkot’s Niranjan Shah Stadium, taking the hosts to 284/7.
- India made a forced change after Washington Sundar’s rib injury, bringing Nitish Kumar Reddy into the XI, with Ayush Badoni added to the squad.
- India lead the three‑match series 1–0 after chasing 301 in Vadodara behind Kohli’s 93, with the finale set for January 18 in Indore.