Sitanshu Kotak says Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could play second T20I

India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has a strong chance of playing the second T20I against New Zealand after Ishan Kishan was ruled out with a groin niggle. Kotak confirmed Kishan sustained the injury during the first match and is unlikely to feature at Hagley Oval on Saturday.

Kishan was demoted down the batting order in the series opener because of the niggle, with Tilak Varma promoted to number three. Sooryavanshi has not played a T20I since the Asian Games final and has been warming the bench through the West Indies series and the first New Zealand match.

Kotak said social media speculation about openers should not override team management decisions. He praised Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma for their fearless approach in the record chase of 226.