: India’s 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been included in the playing XI for the second T20 international against New Zealand in Christchurch on Saturday, following growing calls for the young cricketer to be given an opportunity.
 

Indian captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to bowl first, confirming two changes to the team. Sooryavanshi has replaced the injured Ishan Kishan and is set to bat at number three. Prince Yadav has also been brought into the side in place of Mayank Yadav as a tactical change.
 

The decision to include Sooryavanshi comes after he was left out of the opening match of the five-game series, prompting increased interest in when he would make his appearance.
 

Ravi Shastri says New Zealand fans were waiting to see him
 

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri had highlighted the growing excitement surrounding Sooryavanshi during commentary in the first T20I.
 

Shastri reportedly said that even New Zealand supporters had been asking when the 15-year-old would get a chance to play. He recalled meeting Kiwi fans during a walk near a river, when they asked whether the young Indian batter would feature in the following day's match.
 

The former coach also pointed out that Sooryavanshi had spent considerable time on the bench and expressed concern that prolonged inactivity could affect his form.
 

Young batter’s rise to the national team
 

Sooryavanshi earned his place in the Indian national team following a record-breaking IPL 2026 season with Rajasthan Royals.
 

Despite an impressive tour of Zimbabwe, the teenager had struggled to secure a place in the starting XI. He was also left out of the opening match of the ongoing series against New Zealand.
 

India had retained their established opening combination of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma for the first T20I. Both players had played important roles in India's T20 World Cup triumph earlier this year.
 

India look to extend series lead
 

India entered the second match with a 1-0 advantage in the five-match series after securing a four-wicket victory in the opening T20I.
 

Sooryavanshi’s inclusion gives the teenager an opportunity to make an impact at number three as India look to build on their opening win against New Zealand.