Ishan Kishan Ruled Out Of 2nd T20I Against New Zealand, Door Opens For Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Ishan Kishan ruled out of 2nd T20I, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could replace him© BCCI/Creimas

After being left on the bench for the entire T20I series against West Indies and the opening match against New Zealand, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could return to the starting XI for the 2nd T20I on Saturday. India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, speaking to reporters on the eve of the 2nd match at Hagley Oval, narrated the injury situation with Ishan Kishan, which prompted the team management to promote Tilak Varma and Shreyas Iyer over him. While Ishan isn't ruled out of the second T20I yet, Kotak admitted that Sooryavanshi is a strong contender to replace him if such a situation arises.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Kotak was asked about the promotion of Tilak Varma to the No. 3 spot in the first T20I against the Kiwis. He said that the decision was made due to an injury that was troubling Ishan.

"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 told reporters, while also suggesting that he is "unlikely he will play tomorrow's match as well". The comment came before Ishan was officially ruled out of the 2nd T20I. 

In an official statement, the BCCI said: "Ishan Kishan is ruled out of the second T20I against New Zealand due to a low grade right adductor strain, which he sustained during the first T20I of the series. The BCCI Medical Team is monitoring his progress."

 Ishan Kishan is ruled out of the second T20I against New Zealand due to a low grade right adductor strain, which he sustained during the first T20I of the series. The BCCI Medical Team is monitoring his progress. #TeamIndia | #NZvIND https://t.co/QbZpuVh1hQ

— BCCI (@BCCI) October 23, 2026

While Ishan bats at the No. 3 spot, Sooryavanshi could step in for him in the 2nd T20I, though Kotak refused to confirm if that would be the case.

"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," he said.

Earlier, India captain Shreyas Iyer had shut down the talks of Sooryavanshi being given an opening spot in the team as both Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson were scoring runs on a consistent basis.

"So, if you see, when he is coming overseas, he will get a fair idea how to play on these particular wickets. Next time, whenever he comes under these conditions, he will be very well prepared. And he can also instruct the other team members, whoever comes here for the first time," Shreyas had said. However, the situation that has now arisen, might force him to change his stance.

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