Overview
- New Zealand lost the opening ODI to India by four wickets, leaving the visitors seeking a response in Rajkot.
- Henry Nicholls urged longer top-order partnerships and batting depth to sustain momentum through the final overs.
- Nicholls said New Zealand’s bowlers learned from facing Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma and found ways to apply pressure.
- Several New Zealand players kept sharp with recent List-A matches at home, which Nicholls said aided ODI readiness.
- Nicholls highlighted the one-ball rule after the 34th over, noting a softer, darker ball that can curb late-innings scoring and may require earlier acceleration.