India v New Zealand second T20I today; will Vaibhav Suryavanshi get a chance?

The Indian team is currently touring New Zealand, where the two sides are playing a five-match T20 series. India won the first match and lead the series 1-0.

The second match between the two sides begins at 12.30 pm today. Ishan Kishan is reported to have suffered an injury, so Vaibhav Suryavanshi is likely to get a chance.

The first match was a closely fought contest, in which India comfortably chased down 226 runs. The New Zealand side is likely to play aggressively in today's match, and the Indian team is ready for it.

On the pitch: the second T20 will be played at the same venue as the first. Dew is likely to be an important factor there. Close to 400 runs were scored at this ground in the previous match. The team that wins the toss is therefore likely to bowl first, as batting in the second innings may be somewhat easier.

The T20 record at the Christchurch ground is also worth a look. A total of 16 matches have been played there. Teams batting first have won 6 and teams batting second have won 9. The team winning the toss has won 7 matches, while the team losing the toss has won 8. One match ended without a result.

India have played many T20 matches recently, but the selection committee and captain Shreyas Iyer do not appear to have given Vaibhav Suryavanshi a chance to play. There may be a different team strategy behind this. Even so, questions are now being raised about why he is being kept on the bench.

With Ishan Kishan reported to be injured, it remains to be seen whether Vaibhav Suryavanshi will be given a place in his stead.