Ishan Kishan ruled out of second New Zealand T20I with strain

India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has been ruled out of the second T20I against New Zealand in Christchurch after sustaining a right adductor strain in the opening match of the series. The second game is scheduled to be played at Hagley Oval on Saturday, October 24.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India confirmed Kishan’s absence after India won the first T20I by four wickets. Kumar Kushagra, who is in Christchurch with the India A team, has been added to the squad as cover for the second match.

Kishan’s availability had been a point of discussion following the first T20I, and India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said the issue was a groin problem rather than a tactical alteration to the batting order. His absence leaves India to consider an adjustment for the Christchurch fixture as the five-match series moves forward.

Kishan’s groin issue forces India selection call

“Ishan Kishan has a niggle in his groin,” 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.”

The BCCI identified the injury as a right adductor strain suffered during the first T20I. Kishan will therefore not feature in the second match, while the medical team’s assessment will determine his status beyond that fixture.

“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.”

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is the only other frontline batter in the squad and has not appeared in the playing XI since the Asian Games. Kotak’s comments put him firmly in contention to replace Kishan in the side for the second T20I.

India also have Shivam Dube as an option. Dube offers additional utility as a medium pacer, giving the visitors another possible balance to consider if they make a change to the XI in Christchurch.

Kushagra’s inclusion as cover adds another player to the group for the immediate fixture. He is already in Christchurch with the India A team, allowing India to bring him into the squad without a change of location before the match at Hagley Oval.

Christchurch hosts second match before series travels

The second T20I is the last of two matches in Christchurch, with Hagley Oval again set to stage the contest. India take a 1-0 series lead into the game after their four-wicket victory in the opener.

After Christchurch, the India tour of New Zealand will continue with three further T20Is in Wellington, Auckland and Hamilton. Kishan’s short-term absence means India must manage the second match without the wicketkeeper-batter while awaiting further guidance from the medical team on his recovery.

For now, the key confirmed changes are Kishan’s omission through the groin strain and Kushagra’s addition as cover. Sooryavanshi and Dube are among the available options identified for India ahead of the second T20I.