Ishan Kishan ruled out of second T20I; Kumar Kushagra called up as cover
Ishan Kishan has been ruled out of India’s second Twenty20 International against New Zealand on Saturday after sustaining a low-grade right adductor strain in the series opener, the BCCI said on Friday. The board has added Kumar Kushagra, who is with the India A squad in Christchurch, to the senior squad as cover for the match.
"Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan sustained a low-grade right adductor strain during the first T20I against New Zealand and is ruled out of the second T20I to be played on Saturday," the BCCI said. "The Men's Selection Committee has added Kumar Kushagra to the squad as cover for the second T20I. Kushagra, who is currently in Christchurch with the India A squad, will join the India squad for the second T20I. The BCCI Medical Team continues to monitor Kishan's progress," the board added.
Kishan’s absence opens a potential spot in India’s XI for 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who has been waiting for a chance since the Asian Games. Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma opened in the series opener; Samson struck 67 off 33 balls as India secured a four-wicket win over New Zealand, while Abhishek contributed in the powerplay.
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak addressed public speculation about the opening choices and the youngster’s place in the side. "There is a lot of speculation on social media about the three openers. So, sometimes, social media should also appreciate that the team management calls are for the good of the team. People want to play their own XI. It doesn't work like that," Kotak said.
Kotak praised Samson’s attacking approach during the chase and outlined the mental demand on players at the top of the order. "Sanju is outstanding, he is a power-packed player. The way he approached the game yesterday, there are so many runs to chase. If you ever put yourself in the place of a batsman and think that you have to hit three or four sixes in the first two overs, you will also be afraid of getting out," he said.
On the psychological resilience required from openers, Kotak added: "If you get out early in two or three games, you would think you would get dropped. So, overcoming all that and the intent the openers are showing, that excites me. "Really, it is amazing that on top of power, talent and intent and everything, they are controlling their minds also. To get them into that fearless attitude, it is unbelievable," Kotak added.
Kotak acknowledged the public interest around Sooryavanshi but warned against letting that shape team selection. "See, everyone likes him. The public likes him. Social media likes him. He has that talent. The team also likes him. But, because of that, you can't make changes in the XI because people like him. "He is very talented and has a bright, bright future ahead. He will learn a lot of things once he starts playing. But initially, I felt there was a lot of hype about his spot in the XI," Kotak said. He also said: "I genuinely felt it is not good for the player also. For a young 15-16-year-old boy, everyone is saying that he should play and he is not getting the space. He is too young. "It is sad, and it is sad for other players also who are performing. People related to cricket should think about it, whether they are actually helping or just creating something," he said.
Kotak said Sooryavanshi has grown in maturity and understands the challenge of displacing established openers. "Now, he is much more mature. He understood that. He is aware that if Sanju Bhai is doing this kind of batting, how can he stay out? If Abhishek Bhai is doing this kind of batting, only 11 can play. "He is a very simple boy. I don't think he has ever complained. He is working on his fielding, fitness, batting, he is always observing. While batting, the things you learn at this level, that is a different thing. He also has to learn that," Kotak said. With Kishan unavailable, Sooryavanshi has a chance to feature in Saturday's match; his inclusion will depend on the team management's final combination.
