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NZ vs IND 2026: Why is Ishan Kishan not playing in the 2nd T20I?

India has been forced to adjust their lineup for the second T20I against New Zealand at Hagley Oval after Ishan Kishan suffered a groin injury during the series opener. The wicketkeeper-batter sustained a low-grade adductor strain, leading to his exclusion from the squad for the current match.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been drafted into the starting XI as his replacement and is slated to bat at the number three position.

Shreyas Iyer won the toss and opted to field first, citing the impact of evening dew on the playing conditions. In addition to the injury-enforced change, the visitors made a tactical adjustment by bringing in Prince Yadav for Mayank.

New Zealand enters the contest looking to improve their execution following a narrow four-wicket defeat in the first encounter.

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NZ vs IND: Ishan Kishan set to miss 3rd T20I to add to India's No.3 woes