shan Kishan Set to Miss Second T20I Against New Zealand

India have made a strong start to their New Zealand tour, opening the T20I series with a record-breaking victory. However, the team has suffered a setback ahead of the second match, with wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan expected to miss the game due to a groin injury. India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak confirmed that Kishan would not feature in the second T20I and said young batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was in contention for a place in the playing XI. Kotak explained that Kishan experienced groin pain, prompting the team to promote Tilak Varma up the batting order in the opening match before Kishan came in later. The BCCI medical team is continuing to monitor the injured player’s condition.

If Sooryavanshi is selected, India’s batting order could undergo an interesting reshuffle. Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma are options to open the innings, while Sooryavanshi also has experience at the top of the order. Kishan generally bats at No. 3, leaving the team management to decide who will occupy that position in his absence. Samson has previously batted at No. 3, making him another possible option. The second T20I between India and New Zealand is scheduled to be played in Christchurch on Saturday, with the final playing XI expected to clarify the team’s batting combination.