Ishan Kishan is unlikely to play in the second T20I against New Zealand. He has a groin niggle. The news came from India’s batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak. He spoke to the press after the first T20I in Christchurch.
Kishan batted at number five in the first match. That was unusual because he usually bats at number three. Fans wondered if it was a tactical move. But Kotak explained the reason. He said Kishan had the injury, so Tilak Varma was promoted to number three. Kishan came in later but only lasted three balls. He tried to hit a six but was caught by Finn Allen.
Kotak said Kishan is unlikely to play the second T20I on October 24. If he does not recover, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could take his place. Kotak called Sooryavanshi one of the strongest contenders for that spot.
This could be a big chance for Sooryavanshi. The 15-year-old has not played a T20I since the Asian Games final. He was left out of the playing XI for the first match. Captain Shreyas Iyer had said Sooryavanshi needs to wait for his opportunity. Iyer pointed out that the current openers are scoring consistently and have won the World Cup. He also said Sooryavanshi can use this time to learn about overseas conditions.
Why Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Was Left Out of the 1st T20I?
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was left out of India’s XI for the first T20I against New Zealand mainly because the team stuck with its settled opening pair. Captain Shreyas Iyer said the current openers have been scoring consistently and were part of the World Cup-winning side, so Sooryavanshi cannot simply walk into the team right now.
Iyer also said Sooryavanshi is very young and has many years ahead of him. He stressed that the team wants the teenager to stay happy and comfortable around the dressing room. Travelling overseas, according to Iyer, will help Sooryavanshi learn about different conditions and prepare better for future chances.
Sooryavanshi has played 8 T20Is so far. He has scored 246 runs at an average of 30.75 and a strike rate of 186.37, with two fifties and a highest score of 81. He did not play in the West Indies T20I series either. However, he could get a chance in the second T20I against New Zealand, as Ishan Kishan, who has a groin niggle, is ruled out.
India Seals Thrilling Win Over New Zealand
India pulled off a thrilling four-wicket win over New Zealand in the first T20I at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. The visitors chased down 226 to win with two balls to spare. It was India’s highest successful run chase in T20 internationals. The win gave India a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
New Zealand batted first after India chose to field. The hosts posted 225 for 4. Finn Allen gave them a fast start with 45 off 24 balls. Tim Seifert also chipped in. Glenn Phillips then took control. He smashed an unbeaten 82 off just 40 balls, with eight fours and three sixes. Daryl Mitchell made a quick 28 off 19. Mayank Yadav and Axar Patel took one wicket each.
Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma put on 68 runs in the first four overs. Samson reached his fifty in style. He scored 67 off 33 balls. But New Zealand fought back through spin. Naman Dhir walked in and changed the game. He played a stunning cameo. He finished unbeaten on 42 off just 15 balls. He hit five fours and two sixes. With three runs needed from the last four balls, Dhir hit Matt Henry for a six over the fine leg. That sealed the win for India.
The second T20I will be played on October 24 at the same venue. India will look to extend their lead. New Zealand will look to bounce back.
FAQs
Q. Why is Ishan Kishan unlikely to play the second T20I?
A. Kishan has a groin niggle that could keep him out of the match.
Q. Who confirmed Ishan Kishan’s injury update?
A. India’s batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, shared the update after the first T20I.
Q. Who could replace Ishan Kishan in the second T20I?
A. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could replace Kishan if he is unavailable.
Q. Why did Ishan Kishan bat at number five in the first T20I?
A. Kishan batted at number five because his injury led India to promote Tilak Varma.
Q. When is the second India vs New Zealand T20I?
A. The second T20I is scheduled for October 24 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
Get the Latest Cricket Updates at IceCric.News. Also, Follow Our Social Media for live updates on Facebook and Instagram.
