India wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan has been ruled out of the second T20I against New Zealand after suffering a low-grade right adductor strain in the series opener. The BCCI has named Kumar Kushagra as cover for Saturday’s match.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India confirmed on Friday that Kushagra, who is currently with the India A squad in Christchurch, will join the senior team ahead of the second T20I. The BCCI medical team will continue to monitor Kishan’s recovery.
“Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan sustained a low-grade right adductor strain during the first T20I against New Zealand and is ruled out of the second T20I to be played on Saturday,” the BCCI said.
“The Men’s Selection Committee has added Kumar Kushagra to the squad as cover for the second T20I. Kushagra, who is currently in Christchurch with the India A squad, will join the India squad for the second T20I. The BCCI Medical Team continues to monitor Kishan’s progress,” the board added
Kishan’s absence could give 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi an opportunity to make his way into the playing XI. The youngster has been waiting for his chance since the Asian Games, with Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma opening the innings.
Samson struck 67 off 33 balls in the first T20I as India secured a four-wicket win over New Zealand. Abhishek also made a useful contribution in the powerplay, giving the team management little reason to break up the opening pair.
KOTAK DEFENDS SAMSON, ABHISHEK
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak backed Samson and Abhishek on Friday, praising their attacking approach and ability to handle the pressure that comes with playing international cricket.
With calls mounting on social media for Sooryavanshi to be included, Kotak said the team management had to make decisions based on what was best for India rather than public opinion.
“There is a lot of speculation on social media about the three openers. So, sometimes, social media should also appreciate that the team management calls are for the good of the team. People want to play their own XI. It doesn’t work like that,” Kotak said on the eve of the second T20I.
The coach was particularly impressed by Samson’s approach in the series opener, when India faced a challenging chase.
“Sanju is outstanding, he is a power-packed player. The way he approached the game yesterday, there are so many runs to chase. If you ever put yourself in the place of a batsman and think that you have to hit three or four sixes in the first two overs, you will also be afraid of getting out,” he said.
Kotak also pointed to the mental strength required to maintain an attacking approach when players know that a few low scores could put their places in the side under scrutiny.
“If you get out early in two or three games, you would think you would get dropped. So, overcoming all that and the intent the openers are showing, that excites me.
“Really, it is amazing that on top of power, talent and intent and everything, they are controlling their minds also. To get them into that fearless attitude, it is unbelievable,” Kotak added.
SOORYAVANSHI LEARNING TO BE PATIENT
Sooryavanshi’s talent has generated considerable excitement since his international debut in July. However, the teenager has struggled to find a place in the playing XI as Samson and Abhishek continue to deliver at the top of the order.
Kotak said the attention surrounding the youngster had created unnecessary pressure, adding that the team’s combination could not be changed simply because supporters wanted to see him play.
“See, everyone likes him. The public likes him. Social media likes him. He has that talent. The team also likes him. But, because of that, you can’t make changes in the XI because people like him.
“He is very talented and has a bright, bright future ahead. He will learn a lot of things once he starts playing. But initially, I felt there was a lot of hype about his spot in the XI,” Kotak said.
The coach was concerned that the constant discussion about Sooryavanshi’s selection could affect a young player who was still learning the demands of international cricket.
“I genuinely felt it is not good for the player also. For a young 15-16-year-old boy, everyone is saying that he should play and he is not getting the space. He is too young.
“It is sad, and it is sad for other players also who are performing. People related to cricket should think about it, whether they are actually helping or just creating something,” he said.
Kotak said Sooryavanshi had become more mature and understood why he had not been picked, particularly given the form of the two established openers.
“Now, he is much more mature. He understood that. He is aware that if Sanju Bhai is doing this kind of batting, how can he stay out? If Abhishek Bhai is doing this kind of batting, only 11 can play.
“He is a very simple boy. I don’t think he has ever complained. He is working on his fielding, fitness, batting, he is always observing. While batting, the things you learn at this level, that is a different thing. He also has to learn that,” Kotak said.
With Kishan unavailable, Sooryavanshi has a chance to feature in Saturday’s match. His selection will depend on the team management’s final combination.
– Ends
