Christchurch (New Zealand): India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has been ruled out of the second T20 International against New Zealand after sustaining a low-grade right adductor strain during the series opener in Christchurch, the BCCI confirmed on Friday, October 23. The injury is a setback for India as they seek to build on their 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

Kishan, who bats at No. 3, was forced out of the first match after picking up the groin problem. His absence prompted India to reshuffle their batting order, with Tilak Varma moving up to the position usually occupied by the left-hander. The BCCI said its medical team is monitoring his recovery, and his availability for the remaining matches will depend on his progress.

Teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is the leading candidate to replace Kishan in the playing XI for Saturday’s (Oct 24) match at Hagley Oval. The 15-year-old has been on India’s bench for their past four T20Is, having earlier featured in the semi-final and final of India’s successful Asian Games campaign.

India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said Sooryavanshi would come into contention if Kishan did not recover fully. “If Ishan doesn’t play, unless he recovers completely, which the medical team will advise, Vaibhav could definitely step in for him,” Kotak said.

India won the opening T20I by four wickets while chasing 226, with two balls remaining. Sanju Samson top-scored with 67 from 33 balls, while Shreyas Iyer made 42 off 28 deliveries and Naman Dhir struck an unbeaten 42 from just 15 balls.

Hagley Oval will host a second successive match before the teams move to Wellington, Auckland and Hamilton for the remaining T20Is on October 27 and 30, and November 1. Five One-Day Internationals and two Tests will follow the T20I series.