Ishan Kishan Ruled Out of 3rd T20I Against New Zealand as India Eye 3-0 Series Lead

New Delhi, Oct 26: India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan will miss the third T20I against New Zealand, scheduled to be played in Wellington on October 27, 2026, as he continues to recover from a right adductor strain. The left-handed batter sustained the injury during the opening match of the five-game series and has yet to regain full match fitness.

Kishan also missed the second T20I, with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi stepping in during his absence. Despite making progress in his recovery, the Indian team management has decided against rushing him back into action for the third fixture.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), in its latest update, confirmed that Kishan is recovering well but remains unavailable for selection.

"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 board stated in its release.

Kishan's absence means Kumar Kushagra will continue as the wicketkeeping option for the upcoming match. Kushagra was drafted into the side as Kishan's replacement ahead of the second T20I and is set to retain his place for the third game at Hnry Stadium in Wellington.

The team management will continue to monitor Kishan's recovery as the series progresses. His return will depend on his fitness and the medical team's assessment, with no further timeline for his comeback specified in the update.

India head into the third T20I with a 2-0 lead in the five-match series and will look to maintain their winning momentum against New Zealand. A victory in Wellington would put the visitors in a commanding position, leaving the hosts with little room for error in the remaining fixtures.

With Kishan still sidelined, India will be keen to ensure continuity in their playing combination while managing the wicketkeeper-batter's recovery carefully. The focus now shifts to Tuesday's contest, where India have an opportunity to strengthen their hold on the series.