Who will replace injured Ishan Kishan in NZ vs IND 2nd T20I?
India face a selection dilemma ahead of the second T20I as an injury setback opens the door for a change in the playing XI.
India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has been ruled out of the second T20I against New Zealand after suffering a low-grade right adductor strain during the series opener.
The BCCI confirmed his absence on Friday, October 23, with the medical team monitoring his recovery. His injury leaves a vacancy in India’s batting order ahead of Saturday’s match in Christchurch.
Teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is the most likely candidate to take Kishan’s place. The 15-year-old missed the first T20I, which India won by four wickets while chasing 226 runs. His participation in batting practice and fielding drills during training has further fuelled speculation about his inclusion.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi likely to replace Ishan Kishan
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Sooryavanshi appears to be India‘s leading option, with batting coach Sitanshu Kotak acknowledging that the youngster could step in following Kishan’s injury.
The teenager’s aggressive approach and ability to score quickly at the top of the order could provide India with another attacking option. He has scored 246 runs in 8 T20I appearances at a strike rate of 186.36, including two half-centuries. He also featured in India’s Asian Games semi-final and final encounters.
However, his inclusion could require a batting-order reshuffle, as he is primarily an opener. India must decide whether to accommodate him at the top and play Sanju at 3 or retain their established opening combination.
Sooryavanshi is not India’s only option, though. Shivam Dube could also be an option if the team management prefers to retain the opening combination of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson while adding batting depth and an extra seam-bowling option.
Dube generally operates in the middle order, making him a different type of replacement rather than a like-for-like alternative to Kishan.
Nevertheless, Sooryavanshi appears to be the frontrunner because he is a natural top-order batter and has participated in the team’s training sessions. The final decision will depend on India’s preferred combination and balance.
Why is Ishan Kishan ruled out?
Kishan sustained a low-grade right adductor strain during the first T20I in Christchurch. The injury also affected India’s batting plans, with Tilak Varma promoted to No. 3 while Kishan batted at No. 5, scoring one run off three deliveries.
The BCCI confirmed Kishan would miss the second match but did not announce a definite recovery timeline. His availability for the remaining games will depend on his progress and the medical team’s assessment.
India aim to extend series lead
India lead the five-match series 1-0 after their four-wicket victory in the opener. They will look to build on that momentum in Christchurch, with the batting combination likely to be a key talking point.
Sooryavanshi looks well placed to get a chance; Dube remains an alternative if India opt for greater batting depth. The playing XI will reveal the team management’s final decision for the second T20I.
Why is Ishan Kishan ruled out of NZ vs IND 2nd T20I?
Kishan sustained a low-grade right adductor strain during the first T20I in Christchurch.
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