Uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra has been added to India’s squad for the second T20I against New Zealand as cover for Ishan Kishan, who has been ruled out of Saturday’s match due to an injury.Kishan suffered a low-grade right adductor strain during the opening match of the five-T20I series, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed on Friday.“Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan sustained a low-grade right adductor strain during the first T20I against New Zealand and is ruled out of the second T20I to be played on Saturday,” the BCCI said.“The Men’s Selection Committee has added Kumar Kushagra to the squad as cover for the second T20I. Kushagra, who is currently in Christchurch with the India A squad, will join the India squad for the second T20I. The BCCI Medical Team continues to monitor Kishan’s progress,” the board added.Kushagra was part of the India A squad set to face New Zealand A in a three-match unofficial Test series beginning on Saturday in Lincoln. He will now join the senior team for the second T20I at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.Kishan has scored 1,955 runs in 67 T20Is at an average of 31.03 and a strike rate of 148.55. He remains part of India’s squad for the upcoming five-match ODI series against New Zealand.India lead the T20I series 1-0 after winning the opening match by four wickets. Sanju Samson top-scored in the chase with 67 off 33 balls, while Naman Dhir struck an unbeaten 42 off just 15 deliveries to help India reach the target with two balls to spare. Captain Shreyas Iyer also scored 42 off 28 balls.Earlier, Glenn Phillips made an unbeaten 82 off 40 balls and Finn Allen scored 45 off 24 deliveries as New Zealand posted 225/4, their highest total in home T20Is.India’s tour of New Zealand includes five T20Is, followed by five ODIs and two Test matches.
