NZ vs IND: Kumar Kushagra added to Indian squad after Ishan Kishan dropped from 2nd T20I

Indian wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan has been ruled out of the second T20I against New Zealand after suffering a low right adductor strain in the series opener. BCCI named Kumar Kushagra as cover for Saturday’s match.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India on Friday confirmed that Kushagra, who is currently with the India A team in Christchurch, will join the senior squad ahead of the second T20I. The BCCI medical team will continue to monitor Kishan’s recovery.

“Wicketkeeper-spinner Ishan Kishan suffered a low right adductor strain during the first T20I against New Zealand and is ruled out of the second T20I to be played on Saturday,” 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 team, will join the Indian 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 make it into the playing XI. The youngster had been waiting for his chance since the Asian Games, Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma opened the innings.

Samson blasted 67 off 33 balls in the first T20I as India secured a four-wicket win over New Zealand. Abhishek also contributed usefully in the power over, which did not give much reason to the team management to break the opening pair.

KOTAK defends SAMSON, ABHISHEK

India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak on Friday backed Samson and Abhishek, 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 must take decisions based on what is best for India and not public opinion.

“There is a lot of speculation on social media about the opening three matches. So sometimes social media should also appreciate that the team management’s calls are for the good of the team. People want to play their own XI. That’s not how it works,” Kotak said on the eve of the second T20I.

The coach was particularly impressed by Samson’s approach at the start of the series when India faced a tough chase.

“Sanju is excellent, he is a power-packed player. The way he pitched yesterday, there are so many runs you have to chase. If you ever put yourself in the batsman’s place and think you have to hit three or four sixes in the first two overs, you will also fear getting out,” he said.

Kotak also pointed out the mental strength required to maintain an attacking attitude when the players know that a few low scores could put their places in the side under scrutiny.

“If you get knocked out early in two or three games, you’re going to think you’re going to be knocked out. So to overcome all that and the intent that the openers are showing excites me.

“It’s really amazing that in addition to power and talent and intent and everything, they’re also in control of their minds. To get them in that fearless stance is incredible,” Kotak added.

SOORYAVANSHI LEARNS 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 that the attention around the youngster had created unnecessary pressure and added that the team’s combination could not be changed simply because the fans wanted to see him play.

“You see, everybody likes him. The public likes him. Social media likes him. He has such talent. The team likes him too. But you can’t make changes to the XI because of that because people like him.”

“He is very talented and has a bright, bright future ahead of him. He will learn a lot of things once he starts playing. But initially I felt there was a lot of hype around his place in the XI,” Kotak said.

The coach was worried that the constant discussion about Sooryavanshi’s selection might affect the young player who was just learning the demands of international cricket.

“Honestly, I felt it wasn’t good for the players either. For a young 15-16-year-old, everyone is saying he should be playing and he’s not getting space. He’s too young.

“It’s sad and it’s sad for the other players who come forward. People associated with cricket should think about it, whether they’re actually helping or just creating something,” he said.

Kotak said that Sooryavanshi had become more mature and understood why he was not selected, especially given the form of the two established openers.

“He is much more mature now. He has understood that. He is aware that when Sanju Bhai does this kind of batting, how can he stay out? If Abhishek Bhai does this kind of batting, he can only play 11.”

“He is a very simple guy. I don’t think he ever complained. He works on his fielding, conditioning, batting, watching all the time. In batting, the things you learn at this level are different. He has to learn that too,” Kotak said.

With Kishan unavailable, Sooryavanshi has a chance to feature in Saturday’s match. His selection will depend on the final combination of team management.

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