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Ishan Kishan ruled out of 3rd T20I - (Source: AFP)
In a significant development, India star batter Ishan Kishan is all set to miss the 3rd T20I against New Zealand. The left-handed batter, who skipped the 2nd T20I with a low-grade right adductor strain, will also miss the 3rd T20I as reported by Nitin Shrivastava.
On Friday, October 23, the BCCI confirmed Ishan’s injury and revealed that he won’t be part of the 2nd T20I in Christchurch. The injury seems to be more serious than expected, and it's likely that the apex cricket board of India will pull him out of the entire series.
Kumar Kushagra Added To Team As Ishan Kishan’s Cover
On Friday, the BCCI added Ishan Kishan’s Jharkhand teammate Kumar Kushagra to the main team as a cover for the southpaw for the 2nd T20I. Kushagra, who is enjoying a purple patch with the bat, earned his maiden India call-up.
At present, Kushagra is part of the team for just the 2nd T20I, but if the injury is more serious than expected, then, Kumar Kushagra can be roped in for the entire series as well.
Kumar Kushagra rose to prominence when he featured in the 2020 Under-19 World Cup. Since then, Kushagra has featured in every domestic tournament - Ranji Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Talking about his overall numbers, Kushagra has played 138 matches, amassing 4693 runs, averaging 34.00 with the bat across youth tournaments. Shedding light particularly on his List A cricket, then Kushagra has played 36 unofficial ODIs, scoring 1400 runs and averaging 38.88 with the bat.
Golden Opportunity For Vaibhav Sooryavanshi To Shine
Ishan Kishan's absence is a brilliant opportunity for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The 15-year-old was made to sit on the bench as he was behind Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson in the pecking order.
Notably, Sooryavanshi sat on the bench for entire five T20Is against West Indies. Further, he didn't feature in the 1st T20I as well. Therefore, the ongoing match is a great opportunity for the 15-year-old to shine.
