India has suffered an injury blow just before the second game of the T20 series against New Zealand and wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan is out of the match with a right adductor strain. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the development on 23 October 2026 (a day before the second match of the five-game series).
The injury comes after India won four wickets in the opening T20I which gave them a 1-0 lead in the series.
BCCI confirms Ishan Kishan's injury.
According to BCCI, Kishan suffered a low-grade right adductor strain during the first T20I against New Zealand. The board also said that its medical team is monitoring his progress.
An adductor strain affects the muscles on the inner side of the thigh and can cause discomfort during running, turning and other movements required in cricket. The BCCI has not announced a definite recovery timeline for the Indian batter.
Kishan's absence is a blow for India's batting options especially in the shortest format where he is able to play aggressively. His recovery and assessment by the medical team will determine his availability for the rest of the series.
India is looking to extend their lead in Christchurch.
The second T20I is scheduled for Saturday, October 24 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. India will look to build on their first victory and to advance in the five-match series.
New Zealand posted a challenging total of 226 runs in the first match. India followed their chase with a successful chase and won by four wickets with two deliveries left.
The result granted India an early advantage, but Kishan's absence means that the team will need to consider its batting combination for the next match.
𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲: Ishan Kishan is ruled out of the second T20I against New Zealand due to a low grade right adductor strain, which he sustained during the first T20I of the series. The BCCI Medical Team is monitoring his progress. #TeamIndia | #NZvIND https://t.co/QbZpuVh1hQ
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 23, 2026
Will Vaibhav Sooryavanshi get an opportunity?
Young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi might be in the mix for a place in India's playing XI after Kishan's withdrawal. Sooryavanshi was included in the squad for the New Zealand tour but he was not part of the series opener.
His selection, however, is not automatic. The team management will need to make a decision here whether to bring in the young batter or do just one more change to the lineup.
India also has several established batting options so the final combination will depend on the team's tactical plans and the conditions in Christchurch. The playing XI should be treated as unconfirmed until it is officially announced.
What Kishan's Absence Means for India
Kishan's injury brings India the opportunity to test their squad depth while still working on winning the series. The team will need to strike the right balance between aggressive batting and stability in the middle order.
The medical team will also be the key in determining when Kishan can return to action. With more matches left in the series, India will hope the injury does not keep him out for an extended period of time.
Now, we have confirmed that Kishan will miss the second T20I. India will now face the challenge of overcoming his absence and getting another win against New Zealand in Christchurch.
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