Ishan Kishan, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (PTI Photo)
India's teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could get another opportunity in the playing XI after wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan was ruled out of the second T20I against New Zealand with a low-grade right adductor strain.
The injury has opened up a selection question for India ahead of Saturday's encounter at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, with the team management weighing its options after a record-breaking chase in the series opener.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that Kishan sustained the injury during the first T20I. The BCCI medical team is monitoring his progress, but the wicketkeeper-batter will miss the second match as India look to extend their 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
Sooryavanshi, who was part of India's squad but missed the opening match, is among the possible options to replace Kishan. The 15-year-old has already made his senior international debut and represented India at the 2026 Asian Games, where he was part of the gold-medal-winning men's cricket team. His inclusion against New Zealand would therefore mark a return to the playing XI.
Samson, Abhishek lead India's record chase
New Zealand posted 225/4 after being asked to bat first, with Glenn Phillips leading the charge through an unbeaten 82 off 40 balls.
Finn Allen contributed 45 off 24 deliveries, while Bevon Jacobs added a brisk 31 off 16 as the hosts built a formidable total.India responded with an explosive opening partnership between Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma. Samson smashed 67 off 33 balls, while Abhishek contributed 29 off 12, helping India race to 93 without loss before the first wicket fell.The momentum briefly shifted when India lost three wickets in quick succession, slipping to 122/4. Captain Shreyas Iyer then scored a valuable 42 off 28 balls to steady the chase, while Axar Patel added 24. Naman Dhir eventually delivered the decisive blow, remaining unbeaten on 42 off just 15 balls to guide India home with two deliveries to spare.