Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Returns as India Opt to Bowl in 2nd T20I Against New Zealand

Christchurch: Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi returned to India’s Playing XI as captain Shreyas Iyer opted to bowl first in the second T20I against New Zealand at Hagley Oval on Saturday.

India made two changes to the side that chased down a record 226-run target in the series opener. Sooryavanshi replaced the injured Ishan Kishan, who is suffering from a groin strain, while Prince Yadav came in for Mayank Yadav as a tactical change.

Sooryavanshi will bat at No. 3 instead of his usual opening position, Iyer confirmed at the toss. The Indian captain stressed the need to maintain the aggressive approach following their victory in the first match.

New Zealand also made one change, bringing in Jacob Duffy for Adam Milne as part of a rotation strategy ahead of their upcoming Test commitments.

India will look to build on their series-opening win and strengthen their position in the T20I series.