Cricket

Ishan Kishan ruled out of second T20I against New Zealand

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Oct 23, 2026, 10:51 IST

Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan will miss the second T20I against New Zealand due to a right adductor strain, potentially opening the door for 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to return to the Indian playing XI.

Ishan Kishan ruled out of second T20I against New Zealand

India’s preparations for the second T20I against New Zealand have been disrupted by an injury to wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that Kishan has been ruled out of the upcoming clash at Hagley Oval in Christchurch after sustaining a low-grade right adductor strain during the series opener.

The medical team is currently overseeing his recovery, though he will play no part in Saturday's fixture. With India holding a 1-0 lead in the five-match series, the team management is now forced to adjust their lineup. The absence of Kishan creates a notable opening, with 15-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi emerging as a primary candidate to step back into the side. Sooryavanshi, who previously represented India at the 2026 Asian Games as part of the gold-medal-winning squad, is in contention to bolster the batting order.

Building on a high-scoring series opener

The selection dilemma follows a thrilling series opener where India successfully chased down a daunting target. New Zealand had set a formidable 225/4, anchored by an unbeaten 82 from 40 balls by Glenn Phillips. Contributions from Finn Allen, who scored 45 off 24, and Bevon Jacobs, who added 31 off 16, ensured the hosts reached a challenging total.

India’s response was defined by an aggressive start from Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma. The pair put on 93 runs for the opening wicket, with Samson striking 67 off 33 balls and Sharma chipping in with 29 off 12. Despite a mid-innings wobble that saw the visitors slip to 122/4, captain Shreyas Iyer provided stability with a 28-ball 42. The chase was ultimately secured by Naman Dhir, whose unbeaten 42 from just 15 deliveries guided India to victory with two balls remaining.