India face New Zealand in the second T20 International at Christchurch’s Hagley Oval on Saturday, 24 October, with a 1–0 lead in the five-match series. The match is scheduled to begin at 12:30 pm Indian Standard Time. India will be without wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan, who has been ruled out with a low-grade right adductor strain.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said Kishan sustained the injury during the series opener and that its medical team is monitoring his progress. The selectors have added wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra to the squad as cover. The BCCI has not announced a return date for Kishan.
Why is Ishan Kishan missing the second T20I?
Kishan picked up a low-grade strain in his right adductor muscle during the first T20I. The injury ruled him out of Saturday’s match, but the board’s update did not specify how long he may be unavailable. Any decision on his return will depend on his recovery and the medical team’s assessment.
Who has been added to India’s squad?
Kumar Kushagra has joined the squad as cover. The BCCI’s updated squad also lists Vaibhav Sooryavanshi among the available batters, but the final playing XI had not been confirmed in the official announcement. Readers should wait for the toss and team sheet rather than treating possible replacements as confirmed selections.
What happened in the first India–New Zealand T20I?
India won the opening match by four wickets after chasing New Zealand’s 225 for four. India reached 230 for six in 19.4 overs. Sanju Samson scored 67 from 33 balls, while Shreyas Iyer made 42 and Naman Dhir finished unbeaten on 42 from 15 deliveries. The result gave India a 1–0 lead going into the second game.
India vs New Zealand 2nd T20I: time, venue and where to watch
- Date: Saturday, 24 October 2026
- Start time: 12:30 pm IST
- Venue: Hagley Oval, Christchurch, New Zealand
- India’s series position: Leads 1–0 in the five-match T20I series
- Broadcast in India: Sony Sports Network
- Live streaming: SonyLIV, subject to the platform’s current match listing
New Zealand will be looking to level the series at home, while India will aim to carry forward the momentum from the high-scoring opener. The next scheduled T20I after Saturday’s match is in Wellington on 27 October.
Official updates and sources
Read the BCCI’s injury and squad announcement, check the official match centre, and see the ICC’s match preview for series context. Published match listings identify Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV as the Indian viewing options; check the provider schedule for any last-minute changes.
Featured image is representative of a cricket venue, not a photograph of this specific match. Photo: Sudhakar Chandra / Unsplash.
GAWAH News Desk
