Ishan Kishan ruled out of 2nd T20I, opens possibility of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi return

Ishan Kishan has been ruled out of India's second T20I against New Zealand due to a low-grade right adductor strain sustained during the series opener. The BCCI confirmed that its medical team is actively monitoring the wicketkeeper-batter's recovery. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak previously noted that Kishan's groin issue caused a batting order shuffle in the first match, where Tilak Varma moved up to No. 3.

Kishan's absence creates an opening for 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to potentially enter the playing eleven for the upcoming clash. India currently holds a 1-0 lead in the five-match series after securing a four-wicket victory in the first T20I, chasing down a target of 226 behind player of the match Sanju Samson's 67 off 33 balls.