Ishan Kishan ruled out of India’s second T20I against New Zealand with adductor strain

Ishan Kishan has been ruled out of India’s second Twenty20 international against New Zealand on Saturday, October 24, after suffering a low-grade right adductor strain in the first T20I, the BCCI said in a media advisory on October 23. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi replaces Kishan in India’s playing XI.

India chased down 226 in the opening T20I to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series and will aim to win the second match to move closer to sealing the series. The Men in Blue will look to continue their winning streak against New Zealand.

The BCCI described the injury as a low-grade right adductor strain that affects the inner thigh muscles and can cause pain while running and moving; the BCCI medical team is monitoring Kishan’s recovery but a return timeline has not been confirmed.

India won the toss and elected to bowl in the second match and made two changes to the XI, bringing in Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for Ishan Kishan and Prince Yadav for Mayank Yadav. Sooryavanshi, a 15-year-old batter, did not feature in India’s playing XI in the opening match.

The BCCI added Kumar Kushagra to the squad as cover for the second T20I; Kushagra was with the India A team in Christchurch and will now join the senior side. Kushagra is also a wicketkeeper-batter, but Sanju Samson will handle wicketkeeping duties in the second match.

The second T20I takes place on Saturday, October 24, with India fielding Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Sanju Samson as wicketkeeper while Kumar Kushagra joins as cover, as the team seeks a victory to move closer to sealing the five-match series.