Amazing turn of events at Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot, second ODI India tour of New Zealand Wednesday saw a dramatic top-flight collapse that left the home crowd in a state of disbelief. After a narrow win in the series opener in Vadodara, India went into this day-night clash aiming to seal the series. However, the visitors had different plans, to dismantle the world-renowned Indian batting engine with disciplined, high-quality pace and spin.
An early collapse pits India against New Zealand in Rajkot
New Zealand captain Michael Bracewell He made a bold decision to field first, a move that looked questionable at first Indiaopeners, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gillmanaged the top 10 with relative ease. The pair hit the 50-run mark in just 8.4 overs, playing some fine drives that signaled another high-scoring day in Rajkot.
the tide turned on the 13th Christian Clarke It led to a rare error from Rohit. Hitman cut the cross stitch to clear the midpoint Will Young On the sweeper cover, departs for 24. He was dismissed in the 17th over as captain Gill continued his fine form to make a smooth 56 off 53 balls. Kyle Jamieson caused a real panic. India went from 99/1 to a comfortable 118/4 in less than seven overs.
The biggest blow to the Indian camp was his departure Virat Kohli. Exceeding recently Kumar Sangakkara to become the second highest run-scorer in international history, Kohli looked set to anchor the innings. Instead, he was stunned by Clarke’s slower delivery, dragging the ball onto his stumps for 23. Some time ago, Shreyas Iyer He fell for 8, caught Bracewell, leaving the middle order open and the run rate plummeting.
Fans were stunned as India struggled to gain momentum in the 2nd ODI
The reaction on social media and in the stands was one of collective dismay. Expecting the Rajkot surface to be a ‘straight track’ paradise, the fans watched the boundaries dry up in silence. After a flurry of wickets, India had a tough 63-ball period which particularly stressed New Zealand’s bowlers. Jayden Lennox and Bracewell – finished the game.
In the 30th over, India were at 142/4 KL Rahul (13*) and Ravindra Jadeja (11*) tries to connect the fragmented shots. The scorecard told a tale of two halves:
- Powerplay 1: 57/0 (in Indian control)
- Compression (over 21-30): Just 20 runs for the loss of 2 wickets.
Absence Washington Sundar (ruled out due to rib injury) is considered Nitish Kumar Reddy was drafted but the burden fell entirely 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 heads into the final twenty, India face an uphill battle for a total that could challenge the disciplined Black Caps.
Here’s how the fans reacted:
No hundred for Virat Kohli today 💔💔#ViratKohli #ViratKohli𓃵 #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/b1HcBTcwJq
— Sabir Zafar (@Sabir_Saabu01) January 14, 2026
What a coincidence 😳😭
Reminds me of November 19th
– Rohit Sharma is out with the same strike
– Shubman Gill appeared with the same shot
-Virat Kohli came out with the same strike.I’m sad 😭💔#IndvNZ #IndvsNZ pic.twitter.com/gnNQ4I4dWj
— 🤍 (@diva_0387) January 14, 2026
#INDvNZ The situation is similar to the 2023 world cup final (4 wickets down) and there is a lot of talk about the team changing their intentions, especially KL Rahul. But the useless duo also KL Rahul and Jadeja are afraid to play their shots. Let’s see where they finish today.
— Subrato (@subrato312) January 14, 2026
November 19 madness everywhere 🥀#INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/uYB3gfHfih
— Shreya.♥️ (@Here4VK18) January 14, 2026
what a match bro
It’s already giving me nightmares of 23 WC Finals💀> awesome start then rohit is caught after a shot over the covers
> gill drops to a boot
> kohli looks good but chops
> klr & jadeja poisonball
> thoroughly damaged and altered#INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/0NoXeADfwJ— Aish (@AishIdiot) January 14, 2026
“Kuch nahi bhai watching Jadeja and KL bat, hoon😶😶#INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/9luOz75tUc
— Khatana Bhai (@CricwormAnna) January 14, 2026
#IndvNZ
India’s lack of ability to play high order sweeps and reverse sweeps is really hurting their scoring ability. Plus, lowering his ability to hit spinners. It’s really there.
NZ spin bowling was smart and consistent! @bhogleharsha— CitizenKunal (@kun8l) January 14, 2026
Kohli’s streak of 50+ runs is over 😐#INDvNZ #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/RlfHpN1ABN
— Muhammad Yasir (@MuhammadYa85859) January 14, 2026
63 balls between two consecutive boundaries for India!
16.4 FOUR by Shubman Gill
27.1 FOUR by KL RahulFrom these 62 unlimited deliveries,
Virat Kohli played 18
Shreyas Iyer played 17
Jadeja played 14
Rahul played 12
Gill played 1#INDvNZ #ShubmanGill #ViratKohli— CricTrend (@CricTrend_CT) January 14, 2026
Fans after Virat Kohli’s dismissal #INDvNZ #ODI pic.twitter.com/aHssEgF1VS
— Sarcasm (@sarcastic_us) January 14, 2026
India Deep trouble 🥲 #INDvNZ https://t.co/gWO1IbRUvk pic.twitter.com/cs0jl9eeF3
— premnath pk 😍♥️🦋🌹💜🍫 (@PremnathPk) January 14, 2026
Also READ: IND vs NZ: Who replaces injured Washington Sundar? Here is India’s playing XI for the Rajkot ODI
