Uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra was on Friday added to the Indian squad for the second T20I against New Zealand as cover for the injured Ishan Kishan . Kishan, who sustained a low-grade right adductor strain during the series opener, has been ruled out of the second game of the five-match series.
“Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan sustained a low-grade right adductor strain during the first T20I against New Zealand and has been ruled out of the second T20I, which will be played on Saturday,” the BCCI said.
Kushagra is part of the India A squad that will take on New Zealand A in a three-match unofficial Test series starting on Saturday in Lincoln. The second T20I match will be played at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Saturday. “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. He is also part of India’s squad for the five-match ODI series against New Zealand.
Kishan has scored 1,955 runs in 67 T20Is at an average of 31.03 and a strike rate of 148.55. India head into the second T20I with a 1-0 lead in the five-match series after securing a four-wicket victory in the opener. Sanju Samson laid the foundation for the chase with a fluent 67 off 33 balls, while Naman Dhir produced an explosive unbeaten 42 off 15 deliveries to guide India home with two balls to spare. Captain Shreyas Iyer also contributed 42 off 28 balls. Earlier, Glenn Phillips smashed an unbeaten 82 off 40 balls, while Finn Allen scored 45 off 24 deliveries as New Zealand posted 225/4, their highest total in home T20Is.
