IND vs NZ 2026: Ishan Kishan Ruled Out of 3rd T20I Against New Zealand

India batter Ishan Kishan has been ruled out of the third T20I against New Zealand due to a low-grade right adductor strain. The match will be played in Wellington on October 27, with Kishan yet to regain full match fitness.

Kishan picked up the injury during the opening T20I of the series. The BCCI medical team is monitoring his recovery, but the board has not announced a fixed timeline for his return.

In an official statement, the BCCI said, “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.”

The board also confirmed that Kishan would miss the third match as he is yet to regain match fitness. Wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra will continue to remain with the Indian team as his replacement.

Who Will Replace Kishan in the Playing XI?

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who replaced Kishan in the playing XI for the second T20I, is likely to retain his place for the third match. Kushagra is expected to remain on the sidelines unless the team management decides to make a change.

Kishan’s absence has disrupted India’s top-order plans early in the series. The team will hope to maintain its balance while the left-handed batter continues his recovery.

The medical team’s positive assessment has raised hopes of Kishan returning later in the series. He could be available for the fourth T20I on October 30 or the fifth match on November 1, depending on his recovery and fitness. However, no official return date has been confirmed.

Kishan had a quiet outing in the first T20I, scoring just one run before getting dismissed. Before the New Zealand tour, he averaged 38.25 across five matches in India’s home T20I series against the West Indies.

India will now look to manage Kishan’s absence as the team prepares for the Wellington clash. His return will depend on how quickly he recovers and regains the fitness needed for international cricket.