Why Axar Patel is Not Playing Today in IND vs NZ 2nd T20I?

The second T20I match between India and New Zealand is being held on January 23, in Raipur. After a stellar performance in the first game, Team India will have their eyes on another victory. With the T20 World Cup 2026 coming up, the teams will look to fine-tune their preparations.

At the toss, Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav called on New Zealand to bat first after winning the toss. Surprisingly, the Men in Blue had made a few changes to the playing XI despite winning the first game. Vice-captain Axar Patel has been omitted from the team due to an injury.

Why Axar Patel is Not Playing Today in IND vs NZ 2nd T20I?

India's star all-rounder Axar Patel will miss the second T20I game against New Zealand due to injury. For the unversed, Axar sustained a finger injury in the previous game while he was bowling. He tried to stop the ball that was hit fiercely towards him. But the ball went through his hand and travelled towards the boundary.

After a few minutes, blood started to come out of Axar's finger, which was also his bowling hand. Hence, he had to leave the field along with the physio. Kuldeep Yadav has been picked as Axar Patel replacement for this match. Kuldeep was a part of the ODI series against New Zealand where he claimed three wickets in three matches. He wasn't a part of the first T20I but Axar Patel injury has allowed him to come back into the Playing 11.

He isn't in the best form but is in India's squad for the T20 World Cup. Being one of the best spinners in the world, Kuldeep has been key to India's white-ball success in recent times. Unlike Axar, Kuldeep offers variations with his bowling but lacks batting capabilities.

Axar Patel's Performance in 2025

The left-arm spinner Axar Patel has been an incredible addition to the Indian team. He has provided runs with the bat and taken wickets in crunch situations, making him a valuable asset. His absence during the IND vs NZ 2nd T20I will be felt as India will miss a players who has been one of the best all-rounders in the world in recent times.

Axar wasn't included in the ODI series against New Zealand as he was rested. He last played in the T20I series against South Africa where he picked up three wickets in two matches and scored 44 runs as well. His availability makes India's batting order longer and he can bowl at any stage during the innings.