India have suffered an injury setback ahead of the second T20I against New Zealand, with wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan ruled out of Saturday’s (October 24) encounter at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch due to a groin injury.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that Kishan sustained a right adductor strain during the opening T20I, which India won by four wickets.
India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak provided an update on the left-handed batter’s fitness during a press conference on Friday, indicating that he is unlikely to recover in time for the second match.
“Ishan Kishan has a niggle in his groin,” India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said at a press conference on Friday. “I know there was speculation (about the change in the batting order) but it wasn’t a change as such. It was because of the groin strain. I think he is unlikely for one game.”
Kishan’s absence could open the door for young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who has been waiting for an opportunity to return to India’s playing XI.
Sooryavanshi has not featured in the starting lineup since the Asian Games, with India’s established opening combination enjoying impressive form and limiting opportunities for other batters.
However, Kishan’s injury has brought the youngster back into selection discussions ahead of the Christchurch contest.
“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. “[He is] definitely one of the strongest persons who can play.”
Apart from Sooryavanshi, India could also consider all-rounder Shivam Dube as an alternative. Dube provides additional flexibility with his batting ability and medium-pace bowling, giving the team management another option when finalising the playing XI.
The final selection decision will depend on Kishan’s recovery and the assessment of India’s medical staff.
India will enter the second T20I hoping to build on their four-wicket victory in the series opener and strengthen their position in the five-match contest.
The Hagley Oval in Christchurch will host the second consecutive match between the two teams before the series moves to Wellington, Auckland and Hamilton for the remaining three fixtures.
With Kishan unavailable, attention will now turn towards India’s team selection and whether Sooryavanshi gets another opportunity to showcase his abilities on the international stage.
