Cricket
oi-Gaurav Sharma
India may be forced to make a change to their playing XI for the second T20I against New Zealand after Ishan Kishan suffered a groin niggle, opening the door for teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to step into contention.
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak revealed Kishan’s injury after the opening T20I in Christchurch on Thursday, with the wicketkeeper-batter set to miss the next match unless he recovers fully following his final assessment.
India’s Ishan Kishan faces a potential absence from the second T20I against New Zealand on October 24, 2026, due to a groin niggle, with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi emerging as a possible replacement.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could get his opportunity
The injury could hand Sooryavanshi a valuable opportunity to make his mark at the international level, with the young batter left out of India’s playing XI for the series opener due to competition for places in the top order.
Speaking to reporters, Kotak said Kishan’s groin issue was the reason behind the team’s decision to promote Tilak Varma in the batting order, while also naming Sooryavanshi as one of the strongest contenders to replace Kishan if he is ruled out of the second T20I.
The 20-year-old batter usually bats at the No. 3 position in India’s T20I setup but had to move down to No. 5 for the opening match, after being out after scoring just three balls in his innings.
The injury update has now cast his availability for the next game into doubt and could bring Sooryavanshi into the spotlight.
Sooryavanshi waits for his chance after selection debate
Sooryavanshi’s omission from the first T20I had sparked attention, especially after India captain Shreyas Iyer said the youngster would have to be patient for opportunities.
Iyer had pointed to the consistent performances of India’s established opening batters and said the teenager still had a lot of time to establish himself in the national team, while also saying that the New Zealand tour could help him gain experience of overseas conditions.
With Kishan now facing a potential spell on the sidelines, the selection equation could change for the second match, although Sooryavanshi’s inclusion will depend on Kishan’s recovery and the team’s final combination.
India aim to extend series lead
India will face New Zealand in the second T20I at Hagley Oval on October 24, 2026, as the visitors look to extend their lead in the five-match series after a thrilling four-wicket win in the opening match.
