India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has confirmed that Ishan Kishan suffered a groin niggle during the first T20I against New Zealand on Thursday, October 22. The wicketkeeper-batter is unlikely to feature in the second match in Christchurch on Saturday, October 24, unless he recovers fully.

India took a 1-0 lead in the five-match series after chasing down New Zealand's 226-run target in the opening T20I. Sanju Samson top-scored with 67 off 33 balls, while Shreyas Iyer and Naman Dhir made crucial contributions to help the visitors secure a four-wicket win with two balls to spare.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Could Definitely… - Sitanshu Kotak on Ishan Kishan's Injury

Speaking after the match, Sitanshu Kotak said that Ishan Kishan's injury prompted India to change their batting order in the series opener. He also said that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as a strong contender to replace Kishan if the latter fails to recover in time.

“There was a lot of speculation I have also seen, just because Ishan had a strain in his groin, the batting order was changed,” Kotak told reporters.

“If Ishan doesn’t play, unless he recovers completely, which the medical team will advise, Vaibhav could definitely step in for him. He is one of the strongest contenders,” he added.

India promoted Tilak Varma to No. 3 in the series opener, with Ishan Kishan batting at No. 5. Varma scored six off 11 balls before Michael Bracewell dismissed him, while Kishan managed just one off three deliveries before falling to Mitchell Santner.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Emerges as Replacement Option

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi last represented India during their Asian Games campaign, featuring in the semi-final against Sri Lanka and the final against Pakistan. He opened alongside Abhishek Sharma during the tournament, with Sanju Samson moving down to No. 3.

The teenager subsequently remained on the bench throughout India's five-match home T20I series against the West Indies and the opening match against New Zealand. However, he impressed in the series opener by making a timely boundary stop as a substitute fielder.

Sooryavanshi has already made an impact in the shortest format. He has scored 246 runs in eight T20I appearances at a strike rate of 186.36, including two half-centuries. The southpaw also scored 776 runs for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2026.

India Seal Record T20I Chase Despite Early Setbacks

India completed a strong batting performance to chase down New Zealand's 226-run target at Hagley Oval, Christchurch. The visitors reached 230/6 in 19.4 overs to register their highest successful run-chase in T20I cricket.

Sanju Samson led India's pursuit with an impressive 67 off 33 balls, while captain Shreyas Iyer contributed 42 off 28 deliveries. Naman Dhir then provided the finishing push with an unbeaten 42 off just 15 balls to seal a four-wicket victory with two balls to spare.

India will look to extend their lead in the second T20I in Christchurch on Saturday, October 24. The team may need to adjust its playing XI depending on the medical team's assessment of Ishan Kishan's fitness.