India vs New Zealand: Injury Blow for India, Ishan Kishan Ruled Out as Replacement Named for 2nd T20I

India faces a forced squad alteration ahead of the second T20I against New Zealand. Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan suffered a low-grade right adductor strain during the series opener. The injury has ruled him out of the upcoming clash at Hagley Oval.

The Men's Selection Committee immediately named Kumar Kushagra as his replacement. The BCCI Medical Team continues to monitor Kishan's recovery. He remains part of the squad for the upcoming five-match ODI series.

Kumar Kushagra Earns Senior Call-Up

Kushagra receives his maiden opportunity with the senior squad. The uncapped wicketkeeper-batter was already stationed in Christchurch with the India A team. He was preparing for a three-match unofficial Test series against New Zealand A in Lincoln. He will now join captain Shreyas Iyer's camp immediately.

Losing Kishan creates a notable void at the top of the order. He boasts 1,955 runs in 67 T20Is. He carries a career average of 31.03 and a dangerous strike rate of 148.55.

India Look to Extend Series Lead

India currently leads the five-match T20I series 1-0. They chased down a massive target in the first game to win by four wickets. New Zealand posted 225/4. Glenn Phillips smashed an unbeaten 82 off 40 balls. Finn Allen contributed a rapid 45 off 24 deliveries. It marked the highest home T20I total in New Zealand history.

The Indian batting order responded brilliantly. Sanju Samson top-scored with 67 off 33 balls. Naman Dhir provided the finishing touch, blasting an unbeaten 42 off just 15 deliveries. Captain Shreyas Iyer chipped in with 42 off 28 balls. India reached the target with two balls to spare.

Updated India Squad for 2nd T20I vs New Zealand

Shreyas Iyer (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Tilak Varma (VC), Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Naman Dhir, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Kumar Kushagra (WK).