Due to a muscle injury sustained during a game, vice-captain and batsman Ishan Kishan has been dropped from the Indian squad for not only the second but also the third T20 match against New Zealand.
The third match of this five-match series between India and New Zealand is scheduled for Tuesday, October 27, at Sky Stadium in Wellington. Fans were expecting Kishan's return as he was in excellent form.
The injury, which is a low-grade adductor strain in his right lower leg, was sustained by Ishan Kishan on October 22 during the first match of the series in Christchurch. The 28-year-old was advised to take a break to prevent further damage. Kumar Kushagra has been included in his place in the team.
Meanwhile, the players are ready for the second match of the series at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. India captain Shreyas Iyer decided to start the game with a coin toss and opt for bowling first. The Indian team aims to maintain its winning streak, having achieved an impressive target of 226 runs in the first T20 match.
In the first match, Sandeep Samson delivered an impressive performance, scoring 67 runs off just 33 balls, while captain Shreyas Iyer added 42 runs. Following this, young Naman Dheer secured a brilliant victory for the team, scoring 42 runs off only 15 balls without getting out.
Despite Kishan's absence, the Indian team, which currently leads the series 1-0, is fully prepared to continue its winning run. At the same time, the host side, New Zealand, will make every effort to return to the game.