The Men in Blue started their long tour of New Zealand on the right note with two four-wicket wins in the opening and second games of the five-game series. In the series opener, India’s designated No. 3, Ishan Kishanbatted lower down the order, and the move attracted a lot of criticism from the fans. Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir was slammed for demoting Kishan.

It was later revealed that the 28-year-old suffered a groin injury, which led to the change in the batting order. Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan took to social media and called out the critics who questioned Gambhir. 41-year-old also asked fans to exercise caution before jumping to conclusions to get more reach on social media.

Pathan wrote, “So, Ishan Kishan had a niggle during the first T20I, which is why he batted lower down the order. But everyone was quick to go after @GautamGambhir for changing the batting order. Criticising him has become everyone’s favourite pastime these days. Please, please wait a bit before passing judgment. Don’t jump to conclusions without knowing the full story, and this applies to everything in life. In the rush to get ‘views’ and ‘numbers’ on social media, you might end up hurting someone without even knowing the full story. Think before you judge.”

Kumar Kushagra added to the squad

The 21-year-old Kumar Kushagrawho was part of the India A squad, was called up to the senior squad as cover for his senior teammate from Jharkhand.

Kushagra has 33 T20I matches and scored 694 runs with five half-centuries and a strike rate of 145. He has also played five IPL games across two seasons for Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titansamassing 21 runs.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia put out a statement which read, “Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan sustained a low-grade right adductor strain during the first T20I against New Zealand and is ruled out of the second T20I to be played on Saturday. The Men’s Selection Committee has added Kumar Kushagra to the squad as cover for the second T20I. Kushagra, who is currently in Christchurch with the India A squad, will join the India squad for the second T20I. The BCCI Medical Team continues to monitor Kishan’s progress.”