India v New Zealand 2nd T20I at Christchurch: Ishan out, Vaibhav Suryavanshi likely to play

India and New Zealand meet in the second match of their five-match T20 series at Hagley Oval in Christchurch today, Saturday, October 24. India lead the series 1-0. Play is set to start at 12.30 pm Indian time, and the toss will be held at 12 noon.

The first game was played on Thursday at the same ground. New Zealand batted first and put up a big 226. Captain Shreyas Iyer's side overhauled it in 19.4 overs, losing six wickets. It was a closely fought contest, even though India finished it comfortably in the end.

The big worry for India is Ishan Kishan, the team's highest run-getter in T20 cricket this year. He was hurt during the first match and has been ruled out of today's game. The 15-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi is likely to take his place in the playing XI. Vaibhav impressed in India's gold medal match at the 2026 Asian Games, and it remains to be seen whether he opens or bats at number three.

His possible selection also draws attention to his long wait. India have played plenty of T20 matches lately, yet the selection committee and Iyer have not picked him. There may be a team plan behind that, but questions are being asked about why he has stayed on the bench.

New Zealand, captained by Mitchell Santner, are under pressure after losing in front of their home crowd, having failed to defend a big total. The hosts are expected to attack and try to level the series, while India want to tighten their grip.

Conditions will matter. Dew is expected to play a big part, and close to 400 runs were scored in the first match at this ground. The side that wins the toss is therefore likely to bowl first, since batting second may be somewhat easier.

The ground's T20 record points the same way. Of 16 matches played there, teams batting first have won 6 and teams batting second 9, with one match ending without a result. The toss winners have won 7 and the toss losers 8.

In India, the match will be shown live on the Sony Sports Network, on Sony Ten 1 and Sony Ten 3.