Sitanshu Kotak says Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could replace injured Ishan Kishan
Kotak confirms Kishan's adductor strain and flags Sooryavanshi as possible replacement for the second T20I.
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said Ishan Kishan is unlikely to play the second T20I against New Zealand after sustaining a low-grade right adductor strain during the first match. Kotak confirmed the injury prompted Kishan's promotion to number five rather than his usual number three position at Hagley Oval.
Kotak added that 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is the leading contender to replace Kishan if the wicketkeeper-batter is ruled out. The teenager has played eight T20Is and scored 246 runs at a strike rate of 186.36, including two half-centuries. Sooryavanshi last played for India at the Asian Games.
India won the series opener by four wickets after chasing 226. The second T20I is scheduled for Saturday at the same venue.
CricHubb Take
A groin niggle has done what selection debate could not. Sooryavanshi moves from observer to probable starter without a single senior innings in New Zealand conditions.