Ishan Kishan Ruled Out of Second T20I Against New Zealand With Adductor Strain

New Delhi, October 23, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has been ruled out of the second T20 International against New Zealand after sustaining a low-grade right adductor strain during the series opener, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed on Friday.

“The BCCI Medical Team is monitoring his progress,” the board said in a statement, without specifying a timeline for his return.

Kishan suffered the injury during India’s four-wicket victory in the first T20I in Christchurch. His absence could open the door for teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to enter the playing XI.

India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak had earlier confirmed that Kishan was dealing with a groin injury, explaining that it had prompted changes to the batting order in the series opener.

“If Ishan doesn’t play, unless he recovers completely, which the medical team will advise, Vaibhav (Sooryavanshi) could definitely step in for him. He is one of the strongest contenders,” Kotak told reporters.

The batting order attracted attention in the first match, with Tilak Varma coming in at No. 3 and Kishan batting at No. 5. Varma scored six runs off 11 deliveries before being dismissed by Michael Bracewell, while Kishan managed just one run off three balls before falling to Mitchell Santner.

Despite the early setbacks, India chased down New Zealand’s target of 226, finishing with four wickets in hand and two balls to spare.

Sooryavanshi’s potential inclusion would add another dimension to India’s top-order selection, with the team weighing its options around the opening combination featuring Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson.

The 15-year-old has attracted attention through his performances in the IPL and age-group cricket. He most recently represented India at the Asian Games, featuring in both the semi-final against Sri Lanka and the final against Pakistan.

With Kishan unavailable for the second T20I, the team management faces a key selection decision as India look to extend their lead in the series.