Iyer Confirms Changes as India Bowl First in Christchurch

Shreyas Iyer has confirmed a pair of changes as India opt to bowl first in the second T20 against New Zealand in Christchurch. India lead the five-match series 1-0 and will be eager to take a decisive step forward in this contest.

India's captain said the adjustments were necessary because of an injury to Ishan Kishan. Vaibhav Suryavanshi will replace him and bat at number three. Iyer also said Prince Yadav has been brought in for Mayank Yadav, calling it a deliberate tactical move.

Speculation had suggested Vaibhav could be given an opening slot, but Iyer put an end to that idea during the toss. The top order will remain as it is, with Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma going out to open the innings.

New Zealand's captain Mitchell Santner said his team knew it was a strong side and felt good about its previous performance. He said Jacob Duffy has replaced Milne and that this was the only change. Santner also explained that the rotation of fast bowlers was linked to the heavy Test schedule ahead.

The venue is the same one that hosted the first T20, which gives both sides a clear picture of the surface. Fans will be watching to see whether the contest turns into a high-scoring affair or whether the bowlers can take control.

India Playing XI: Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Shreyas Iyer (captain), Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Naman Dhir, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav.

New Zealand Playing XI: Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (wicketkeeper), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Bevon Jacobs, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (captain), Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson.