T20 World Cup 2021: Here is why Suryakumar Yadav is not playing against New Zealand

The Indian cricket team will take on the New Zealand side on 31st October 2021. And, for the clash against Kane Williamson and his men, India made 2 changes. Ishan Kishan has come in place of Suryakumar Yadav, and Shardul Thakur took Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s place in the side.

In fact, Kohli revealed at the toss that Kishan replacing Yadav was a forced one, as the right-hander is suffering from back spasms. “Two changes. One forced, Surya has a lower back spasm, so Ishan Kishan will replace him and open the batting. Shardul Thakur replaces Bhuvneshwar Kumar,” said Virat Kohli at the toss.

Also, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that Yadav complained of back spasms ahead of the match against the Black Caps and has been advised by the BCCI medical team to stay behind in the team hotel.

“UPDATE: Suryakumar Yadav complained of back spasms. He has been advised rest by the BCCI Medical Team and has stayed back at the team hotel,” tweeted the official handle of the BCCI.

You can see the tweet from BCCI below

🚨 UPDATE: Suryakumar Yadav complained of back spasms. He has been advised rest by the BCCI Medical Team and has stayed back at the team hotel.#TeamIndia #T20WorldCup #INDvNZ

— BCCI (@BCCI) October 31, 2021

India lost their opening rubber to Pakistan

The Virat Kohli-led Indian cricket team lost their opening match of the 2021 edition of the T20 World Cup to the Pakistan side. Even though India posted a total of 151/7 on the board, the Pakistan batsmen approached the target as if it was child’s play, and the ‘Men in Green’ won the match by 10 wickets.

On the other hand, the New Zealand side will also enter this contest after a loss to the Pakistan outfit. The Kiwis posted a total of 134/8 on the board but the Babar Azam-led outfit won the rubber with 5 wickets and 8 balls remaining.

Asif Ali was the catalyst of Pakistan’s victory and scored 27* off just 12 deliveries. India has never beaten New Zealand in T20 World Cups. The Kiwis have won both the rubbers that have been held between the two outfits.