Ishan Kishan (L) & Vaibhav Sooryavanshi playing for India (Source: AFP Photos)
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is all set to play for India in the second T20I against New Zealand, to be played at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, on Saturday (October 24). The development happened after Ishan Kishan’s unfortunate injury, as confirmed by India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak.
Kishan, the No. 1 T20I batter in the world according to ICC rankings, came to bat at No. 5 during India’s first T20I match against New Zealand. To bat at his preferred No. 3 position, India promoted Tilak Varma.
Sitanshu Kotak Breaks Silence On Ishan Kishan And Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Selection Situation
Both Tilak and Ishan failed, scoring only 11-ball 6 and 3-ball 1, respectively. However, Kotak revealed and gave detailed information about the change in batting positions once the match was over.
Kotak revealed that Ishan had a groin niggle, and thus he, in all likelihood, will not feature in the second T20I as well, which will begin in around 24 hours. Thus, Sooryavanshi will get his place in India’s playing XI.
"Ishan Kishan has a groin niggle, that's why Tilak Varma was promoted. Ishan is also unlikely to play in the second T20I. If Ishan doesn't play, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has a strong chance to play," Kotak told the reporters.
Where Will Sooryavanshi Bat If He Gets A Chance?
However, it will be interesting to see where Sooryavanshi bats after coming in as Ishan Kishan’s replacement. While Kishan is comfortable batting at any position, Sooryavanshi loves to open the innings and go all guns blazing from the get-go.
On the other hand, Sanju Samson, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s primary competitor for the opening slot, did more than a decent job in IND vs NZ 1st T20I. He made 67 off 33 balls, helping India chase down a mammoth 226-run target in style.
Abhishek Sharma is already there, of course. The ideal scenario to fit Vaibhav Sooryavanshi would be to give him a chance to open with Abhishek, and Samson to bat at No. 3, a position he came to bat in the past during IPL as well.
Even when Samson was there with Rajasthan Royals, he batted at No. 3 when Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sooryavanshi paired at the top.
