Just two days after India captain Shreyas Iyer said Vaibhav Sooryavanshi would need to wait for his opportunity to enter the Indian T20I side, the teenager could be in contention for the second T20I against New Zealand. Having missed out on the playing XI because of a crowded top order, Vaibhav is likely to replace Ishan Kishan in the team for the second match of the series.
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak told reporters on Thursday, following the opening T20I in Christchurch, that Kishan had picked up a groin injury and was unlikely to feature in the next match at Hagley Oval.
Kishan, who usually bats at No. 3 for India in T20Is, was sent down the order on Thursday, prompting speculation among fans. Initially, the move appeared to be another team experiment, with Tilak Varma returning to his regular position at No. 3. Kishan eventually came in at No. 5 after Varma was dismissed but managed to face only three deliveries. He attempted to hit a six off the third ball but mistimed it, sending the ball high into the hands of Finn Allen.
The India batting coach later explained that Kishan had been moved down the order because of a groin problem.
“Ishan Kishan has a groin niggle, which is why Tilak Varma was promoted. Ishan is also unlikely to play in the second T20I. If he doesn't play, unless he makes a complete recovery, as advised by the medical team, Vaibhav could definitely come in for him. He is one of the strongest contenders,” Sitanshu Kotak told reporters.
VAIBHAV SOORYAVANSHI GETS LUCKY BREAK
The latest development could give Vaibhav Sooryavanshi a major opportunity after he was excluded from the playing XI in the series opener. The teenager has not featured in a T20I since the Asian Games final in Nagoya.
As discussion about his omission intensified in the media and cricketing circles, captain Shreyas Iyer and head coach Gautam Gambhir had urged Vaibhav to remain patient.
“He is very young and has several years ahead of him to get opportunities. It’s not as though he can walk straight into the team right now, because our openers have been scoring consistently and have won the World Cup,” Iyer had told reporters before the first T20I.
“So, when he comes overseas, he will get a fair idea of how to play on these particular wickets. The next time he plays in similar conditions, he will be much better prepared. He can also guide other team members who are visiting here for the first time,” he added.
The second T20I between India and New Zealand will be played at Hagley Oval on October 24. India have already taken a 1-0 lead in the five-match series after securing a four-wicket victory in the opening match with two balls remaining.
