The Indian team will miss the services of Ishan Kishan in the second T20I against New Zealand, after the middle-order batter has been ruled out of the encounter, the BCCI announced on Friday. India have taken a 1-0 lead in the five-match series after chasing a mammoth 226 in the first game at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch. The same venue will host the second T20I.
sustained a low grade right adductor strain while playing in the first T20I. “Ishan Kishan is ruled out of the second T20I against due to a low grade right adductor strain, which he sustained during the first T20I of the series,” the said in a statement.
“The BCCI Medical Team is monitoring his progress,” it added further. While it was not sure at what point Kishan suffered the injury, but his batting position during India’s chase did raise some doubts. Instead of his usual no.3 spot, Kishan came out to bat at no.5, and lasted three ball for his on run before being caught by Finn Allen in the deep off Mitchell Santner.
Meanwhile, in the post-match press conference on Thursday, India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak did throw some light on Kishan’s injury. “There was a lot of speculation I have also seen, just because Ishan had a strain in his groin, the batting order was changed,” Kotak said.
Kotak also added that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi might play in place of Kishan in case the latter isn’t available. “If Ishan doesn’t play, unless he recovers completely, which the medical team will advise, Vaibhav could definitely step in for him. He is one of the strongest contenders,” Kotak said.
In the first game, Sanju Samson maintained his remarkable consistency this calendar year with a sublime 67 off 33 balls as India pulled off their highest chase in T20 cricket, overcoming a mid-innings stumble for a four-wicket win in the series-opener on Thursday.
Put in to bat, Finn Allen (45 off 24) and Glenn Phillips (82 not out off 40) fired New Zealand to a steep 225/8, highlighting India’s struggles with the ball. However, Samson ensured a flying start for the visitors before a middle overs collapse made the game interesting.
Eventually, cameos from captain Shreyas Iyer (42) and Naman Dhir (42 not out off 15) helped India get over the line in a tense chase with two balls to spare. The second T20I will also be played at the Hagley Oval on Saturday.
