Delhi: Before the second T20 match between New Zealand and India, there has been a major change in the squad of Team India. Wicketkeeper batsman Ishan Kishan is out of the second match due to injury. In his place, young wicketkeeper batsman Kumar Kushagra has been included in the Indian team. 22 year old Kushagra has got a place in the T20 International team for the first time. He is currently present with the India A team in Christchurch and will join the senior team before the second T20 match.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India informed about Ishaan's injury on Friday. According to the board, Ishaan suffered a slight injury to the muscles of his right leg during the first T20 match. For this reason he will not be able to play in the second match. The medical team is keeping an eye on his injury.
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Kumar Kushagra got a big opportunity
Kumar Kushagra has already made a name for himself with his batting in domestic cricket. He bats in the middle order and can play from number three to six as per the need. Kushagra, who plays for Gujarat Titans, was earlier included in the Indian team for the fourth and fifth matches of the ODI series against New Zealand. Now he has got a place in the T20 International team for the first time.
🚨 News 🚨 Ishan Kishan ruled out of 2nd T20I due to injury; Kumar Kushagra added as cover. More details 🔽 | #TeamIndia | #NZvIND
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 23, 2026
However, his playing in the second T20 match is not decided yet. India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has indicated that Vaibhav Suryavanshi may return to the playing eleven. In such a situation, it will be interesting to see whether Kushagra gets a chance or not.
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India's updated team for the second T20
Shreyas Iyer (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Tilak Verma (vice-captain), Akshar Patel, Shivam Dubey, Nitish Reddy, Naman Dheer, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Varun Chakraborty, Kuldeep Yadav and Kumar Kushagra (wicketkeeper).
FAQ
Why has Kumar Kushagra been included in the Indian team?
After Ishan Kishan's injury, he has been included in the team as cover for the second T20 match against New Zealand.
Will Kumar Kushagra play in the second T20 against New Zealand?
His place in the playing eleven is not decided yet. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has hinted at the return of Vaibhav Suryavanshi.