Raipur T20I: Rinku, Axar Key to India's 2-0 Lead Against New Zealand

• India won the first T20I against New Zealand by 48 runs in Nagpur, with Abhishek Sharma and Rinku Singh leading the batting.
• India aims for a 2-0 series lead in the second T20I at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur.
• India has a 100% win record in Raipur, having won their only T20I against Australia in 2023 under Suryakumar Yadav's captaincy.
• Rinku Singh (46 runs) and Axar Patel (3 wickets) were key performers in India's previous Raipur victory; Rinku is in excellent form, but Axar's availability is uncertain due to injury.
• Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan, who failed in the first T20I, will be under pressure to perform in the top order, while Suryakumar Yadav's 32 runs boosted his confidence.

Why It Matters: India seeks a 2-0 lead in Raipur, relying on past success and key players like Rinku Singh, despite Axar Patel's injury.