Indian wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has officially been ruled out of the third T20I against New Zealand as he continues his recovery from a low-grade right adductor strain sustained during the series opener.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the update on Monday (October 26), noting that while Kishan is "recovering well", he has yet to achieve full match fitness.
“Ishan Kishan is recovering well from his low grade right adductor strain, which he sustained during the first T20I of the series against New Zealand.
“He is yet to regain match fitness and is ruled out of the third T20I to be played on October 27, 2026 in Wellington. The BCCI Medical Team is monitoring Ishan's progress,” the BCCI said in a statement on X.
Uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra, who was flown in as a cover ahead of the second T20I, will continue to travel and remain with the squad for the third match.
In Kishan's absence during the second T20I at Christchurch, teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was drafted into the playing XI, altering India's top-order dynamics.
Having won the first two T20Is by four wickets, India currently hold a comfortable 2-0 lead in the five-match series. The Men in Blue will look to seal the series in the third T20I at Hnry Stadium, Wellington on Tuesday (October 27).
