Industry Odisha Bureau, Oct 23: India batter Ishan Kishan is unlikely to play the second T20I against New Zealand after suffering from a groin injury. This could potentially open the door for teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to enter the playing XI.
Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak confirmed Kishan’s injury after India’s four-wicket win in the series opener in Christchurch. He said Kishan was unlikely to feature in the next match unless he recovered fully. The team’s medical staff is yet to assess his condition.
Kishan, usually India’s No. 3 batter in T20Is, was moved to No. 5 in the opening match as Tilak Varma returned to the third position. Kishan faced three deliveries before being dismissed while attempting a big shot. Kotak later explained that the change in batting order was made because of Kishan’s groin niggle.
If Kishan is ruled out, Sooryavanshi is among the leading options to replace him, Kotak said. The teenager missed the first match and has not played a T20I since the Asian Games final in Nagoya.
Before the series opener, captain Shreyas Iyer said Sooryavanshi would need to wait for opportunities because India’s openers had been scoring consistently. Iyer also said the teenager’s experience playing overseas would help him understand conditions and prepare for future matches.
India lead the five-match series 1-0 after winning the opening T20I by four wickets with two balls remaining. The second match is scheduled to be played at Hagley Oval on October 24. Sooryavanshi’s selection will depend on Kishan’s recovery and the team’s final decision.
