Ishan Kishan ruled out of second T20I against New Zealand with adductor strain

Ishan Kishan has been ruled out of India’s second T20I against New Zealand after sustaining a “low-grade right adductor strain” during Thursday’s series opener in Christchurch. The BCCI confirmed the injury in a statement on Friday, adding that its medical team is monitoring his progress.

The injury forced India’s batting-order shuffle in the opener. With Kishan carrying the strain, Tilak Varma was promoted to No. 3 — Kishan’s usual position — while Kishan batted at No. 5. Varma managed 6 off 11 balls and Kishan made 1 off 3, dismissed by Mitchell Santner.

India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak had revealed the strain after the match. “Ishan Kishan has a niggle in his groin,” Kotak said. “It wasn’t a change as such. It was because of the groin strain [to Kishan]. I think he is unlikely for one game.”

Despite the setback, India completed their highest-ever men’s T20I chase, hunting down 226 with four wickets and two balls to spare. Sanju Samson (67 off 33), Shreyas Iyer (42 off 28) and Naman Dhir (42 not out off 15) drove the chase, with Axar Patel adding 24.

Kishan’s absence opens the door for 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, whom Kotak called “one of the strongest contenders” to step in; Shivam Dube is the other batting option. The second T20I is at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, on Saturday, with India leading the five-match series 1-0.

Sources

• ICC, “Injury blow for India ahead of second T20I with New Zealand”, 2026-10-23 — https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/injury-blow-for-india-ahead-of-second-t20i-with-new-zealand
• The Indian Express, “Ishan Kishan ruled out of 2nd T20I, opens possibility of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi return”, 2026-10-23 — https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/ishan-kishan-injured-ruled-out-india-vs-new-zealand-2nd-t20i-vaibhav-sooryavanshi-10933203/
• The Statesman, “Ishan Kishan ruled out of 2nd T20I vs New Zealand, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in contention”, 2026-10-23 — https://www.thestatesman.com/sports/ishan-kishan-ruled-out-of-2nd-t20i-vs-new-zealand-vaibhav-sooryavanshi-in-contention-1503654100.html