Kumar Kushagra Added to India T20I Squad as Injury Cover for Ishan Kishan

Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has been ruled out of the second T20I match against New Zealand after sustaining a low-grade right adductor strain during the series opener. Following the injury, the Men's Selection Committee added Kumar Kushagra to the squad as a temporary cover.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the roster change on Friday, noting that the medical team will continue to monitor Kishan's progress. The series opener took place at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, where India successfully chased down a target of 226 runs with four wickets in hand and two deliveries remaining to claim a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

Kushagra, who is already in Christchurch alongside the touring India A squad for unofficial Test matches and preparatory fixtures, will transition directly to the senior national team hotel. Because he was already on-site, team management avoided logistical delays in bringing in a replacement for the Saturday fixture.

BCCI Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia announced the updated squad, which features Shreyas Iyer as captain and Tilak Varma as vice-captain. The updated roster also includes Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Naman Dhir, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Kuldeep Yadav.

During the series opener, Kishan batted at number five while dealing with his groin discomfort. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak addressed adjustments to the batting order during a press conference, explaining that Kishan's physical constraint influenced the lineup. Kotak added that if Kishan remains unavailable, teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi stands as a strong contender to step into the playing eleven.

Kushagra earns his elevation to the senior squad following strong performances in domestic cricket across formats. Hailing from Jharkhand, the right-handed batter has recorded significant numbers in first-class matches, List A fixtures, and domestic T20 circuits, establishing himself as a reliable middle-order option and clean striker of the ball.

Following Saturday's second encounter in Christchurch, the tour moves forward with the third T20I scheduled in Wellington on October 27, the fourth in Auckland on October 30, and the final match in Hamilton on November 1. Team management will evaluate Kushagra's readiness and the fitness of the wider squad as India aims to expand its lead in the series.