Christchurch: India have suffered an injury setback ahead of the second T20 International against New Zealand, with wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan ruled out of the match after sustaining a low-grade right adductor strain during the opening game of the five-match series.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the development on Friday, October 23, and named wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra as cover for the second T20I, scheduled to be played at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Saturday, October 24.

Kushagra, who was already in Christchurch with the India A squad, will join the senior team ahead of the match. The BCCI medical team is continuing to monitor Kishan’s progress, but the board has not announced a timeline for his return.

How Kishan sustained the injury

Kishan picked up the injury during India’s series opener against New Zealand on October 22. The left-handed batter was dismissed for one run off three deliveries as India chased a challenging target of 226.

A low-grade adductor strain affects muscles along the inner thigh and groin area. These muscles play an important role in running, changing direction and maintaining movement while batting and wicketkeeping.

India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak had indicated that Kishan’s injury was likely to make him unavailable for one match. The BCCI subsequently confirmed that he would miss the second T20I.

The medical team’s ongoing assessment will determine when Kishan can return to action. His availability for the remaining matches will depend on his recovery and fitness clearance.

Kumar Kushagra added to India’s squad

The selection committee has brought in Kumar Kushagra as cover for Kishan. The young wicketkeeper-batter was with India A in Christchurch, allowing him to join the senior squad without having to travel from India.

Kushagra’s inclusion provides India with another wicketkeeping option as the team prepares for the second match. However, his addition to the squad does not automatically confirm that he will feature in the playing XI.

The team management will need to decide whether to use Kushagra or select another batter already in the squad, depending on the balance required for the match.

Kushagra has also been selected for India’s upcoming ODI tour of New Zealand, having earned a place in the squad for the final two matches of that series. His addition as T20I cover gives him an opportunity to train with the senior side and potentially make his international debut in the format.

Will Vaibhav Sooryavanshi get an opportunity?

Kishan’s absence could open the door for teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to enter India’s playing XI.

Sooryavanshi is among the specialist batting options available to the team. His inclusion would give India another attacking left-handed batter, although the final decision will depend on the team’s preferred combination and batting order.

Kotak had indicated that Sooryavanshi was being considered if Kishan could not recover in time. The youngster has not yet established himself in India’s senior T20I side, so a selection would represent an important opportunity to make an impression at international level.

India could also consider changes to the batting order or the use of an existing squad member, depending on the conditions and the roles required. The team management has not officially announced its playing XI for the second match.

India look to extend their series lead

India head into the second T20I with a 1-0 advantage after completing a four-wicket victory in the opening match.

New Zealand posted 225 for four in their 20 overs, with Glenn Phillips scoring an unbeaten 82 off 40 balls and Finn Allen contributing 45 off 24 deliveries.

India responded with a successful chase, reaching 230 for six in 19.4 overs. Sanju Samson led the effort with 67 off 33 balls, while Abhishek Sharma made 29 off 12 deliveries. Shreyas Iyer scored 42, before Naman Dhir’s unbeaten 42 off 15 balls helped India cross the finish line with two deliveries remaining.

The victory gave India an important early lead, but Kishan’s absence creates a selection challenge ahead of the next encounter. The team will need to maintain its aggressive approach while ensuring that the batting order and wicketkeeping arrangements remain settled.

India’s updated squad for the second T20I

Following Kishan’s withdrawal, the BCCI announced the following squad:

  • Shreyas Iyer (captain)
  • Abhishek Sharma
  • Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper)
  • Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
  • Tilak Varma (vice-captain)
  • Axar Patel
  • Shivam Dube
  • Nitish Kumar Reddy
  • Naman Dhir
  • Prince Yadav
  • Mayank Yadav
  • Arshdeep Singh
  • Bhuvneshwar Kumar
  • Varun Chakaravarthy
  • Kuldeep Yadav
  • Kumar Kushagra (wicketkeeper)

The second T20I will be played in Christchurch on October 24, followed by the third match in Wellington on October 27. The remaining fixtures are scheduled for Auckland on October 30 and Hamilton on November 1.

India will aim to extend their lead in the series while awaiting further information on Kishan’s recovery. For now, Kushagra’s inclusion provides wicketkeeping cover, while Sooryavanshi remains one of the potential options for a change to the playing XI.