The Indian cricket team has already sealed the ongoing T20 series against New Zealand by winning the first three matches convincingly. With two games still remaining in the fixture, the visiting side's mission is far from over as they now set their sights on achieving a complete whitewash against the opposition. As the team prepares to step onto the field for the upcoming fixture, captain Shreyas Iyer will confront a major tactical question. With Ishan Kishan anticipated to make his return to full fitness, either Vaibhav Sooryavanshi or Sanju Samson might be forced to sit out of the playing eleven.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Records 49 Runs In Two Matches In New Zealand
Young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has received the opportunity to play only two matches during the ongoing New Zealand series so far. Just prior to the second game of the series, Ishan Kishan picked up an injury and had to be left out of the starting lineup. Consequently, Vaibhav was handed a chance to play where he walked out to bat at the number three position, though he managed to score only four runs before getting out. Ishan missed the third match of the series as well, giving Vaibhav another opportunity in the playing eleven. This time around, he opened the innings and was seen displaying an aggressive brand of cricket right from the start.
Explosive Knock By Vaibhav While Sanju Struggles For Runs
During this third encounter, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi faced just 19 deliveries and smashed 45 quick runs. His brisk knock featured four boundaries and an equal number of towering sixes. Expectations were high that Vaibhav would convert his start into a substantial innings, but he failed to do so, though his aggressive stroke play continued for as long as he remained at the crease. Meanwhile, Sanju Samson batted at the number three spot in the same match and was dismissed after contributing only 18 runs to the total.
Expected Return Of Ishan Kishan For The Upcoming Match
Management now anticipates that Ishan Kishan will make his comeback to the side for the next fixture. Although the Board of Control for Cricket in India has not yet issued any official update regarding Ishan Kishan, there are still two days left before the match, which should give him ample time to achieve full fitness. If he is declared fit, he will walk straight back into the playing eleven without any hindrance. After all, Ishan Kishan currently holds the status of the top-ranked T20 batsman in the world.
Shreyas Iyer Must Make A Crucial Call Before The Fourth Match
When Indian captain Shreyas Iyer leads his side out for the fourth match, his biggest challenge will be deciding who should make way for Ishan Kishan's return. Making this choice will certainly not be straightforward for the skipper. Even though Sanju Samson failed to make a significant score with the bat in the previous outing, he has delivered solid performances in the matches leading up to it. All in all, this selection puzzle presents a delightful headache for captain Shreyas, as his squad members are putting on performances that make dropping anyone a matter of deep deliberation. Meanwhile, India's recent victories have yielded positive gains in the ICC rankings, bringing the side closer to the number one spot. In other cricketing news, Pakistan suffered a defeat in the 19th over of their ODI match yet still secured a place in the final of the tri-series.
