Kumar Kushagra added as cover for 2nd T20I as Ishan Kishan ruled out

Kumar Kushagra has been added to India's squad as cover for the second T20I against New Zealand after wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan was ruled out with a low-grade right adductor strain. Kishan sustained the groin injury during the first match, prompting India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak to explain that the issue had already forced adjustments to the batting order.

Kushagra, currently in Christchurch with the India A squad, will join the senior team as the BCCI medical staff monitors Kishan's recovery. India holds a 1-0 lead in the five-match series after a four-wicket win in the opening contest, and teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi may be brought into the playing XI to replace Kishan.