India will be without Ishan Kishan for the second T20I against New Zealand in Christchurch on Saturday. The wicketkeeper-batter has been ruled out after suffering a right groin strain in the series opener.
The BCCI confirmed the injury on Friday. India won the first T20I by four wickets and lead the five-match series 1-0.
Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said Kishan was unlikely to be available for the next match. His absence could open the door for young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to make his return to the playing XI.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in contention for a place
Ishan Kishan’s injury puts Sooryavanshi in the frame for selection. The youngster is the only other frontline batter in the squad and could get an opportunity against New Zealand.
Sooryavanshi has not played for India since the Asian Games. He had been waiting for a chance, with the current opening pair in good form.
Kotak confirmed that the team would consider Sooryavanshi if Kishan fails to recover in time.
“If Ishan can’t play, unless he recovers completely, the medical team will tell us. Then obviously Vaibhav comes into the calculations as a batter,” Kotak said.
India also have Shivam Dube as an option. He can strengthen the batting order and provide a medium-pace bowling option if required.
India assess Ishan Kishan’s fitness
Kishan picked up the injury during India’s four-wicket win in the opening match. The strain also explained the change in India’s batting order, which had led to speculation after the game.
Kotak clarified that the move was linked to Kishan’s fitness rather than a planned change in the team’s approach.
The team management will leave the final call to the medical staff. Kishan’s availability beyond the second T20I will depend on his recovery.
New Zealand look to level the series
The second T20I will again take place at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. India will look to build on their opening win, while New Zealand need a response to avoid falling further behind.
After Christchurch, the teams will travel to Wellington, Auckland and Hamilton for the remaining three matches.
India now face a selection decision ahead of Saturday’s game. If Kishan is unable to play, Sooryavanshi could get a valuable chance to prove himself at the international level.
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