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India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan will miss the second T20I against New Zealand after sustaining a low-grade right adductor strain during the opening match of the series, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed on Friday.
The medical team is monitoring Kishan’s recovery, according to the board’s statement.
Kishan sustained the injury during India’s four-wicket victory in the first T20I in Christchurch. He batted at No. 5, while Tilak Varma occupied the No. 3 position.
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said Kishan had been dealing with a groin strain, which prompted changes to the batting order.
Kotak indicated that 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could replace Kishan if the wicketkeeper-batter failed to recover fully. He added that the medical team would guide the decision.
Sooryavanshi has attracted attention through his performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and age-group cricket.
His potential inclusion could present India with another selection decision involving the opening combination alongside Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson.
India retained a largely similar top order during their recent five-match T20I series against the West Indies, with Samson, Sharma and Kishan featuring regularly. Sooryavanshi remained on the sidelines throughout that series.
India chased down New Zealand’s target of 226 in the first T20I, winning by four wickets with two balls remaining.
Varma scored six runs off 11 deliveries, while Kishan managed just one run from three balls. Michael Bracewell dismissed Varma, and Mitchell Santner removed Kishan.
Sooryavanshi last represented India at the Asian Games, featuring in the semi-final against Sri Lanka and the final against Pakistan.
India will now assess their options ahead of the second match, with Kishan’s availability dependent on his recovery and the medical team’s assessment.
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