India Suffer Major Blow As Ishan Kishan Ruled Out Of 3rd T20I Against New Zealand

India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has been ruled out of the third T20 International against New Zealand. The main reason for his absence is a precautionary measure after suffering a right adductor strain during the series opener last week. India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel confirmed the development on Monday.

The 28-year-old has missed the second T20I as well and is yet to regain full match fitness. Despite making progress in his recovery, Kishan will not be available for selection for the third encounter, scheduled to be played in Wellington on October 27, 2026.

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Ishan Kishan To Miss 3rd T20I

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Morkel provided an update on Kishan’s fitness and confirmed that the team would not rush the wicketkeeper-batter back into action.

“Ishan is doing well. He will be training today. For tomorrow, I think he is not available for selection, just as a precaution,” Morkel said.

Update 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. Kumar Kushagra will continue to be with the team for the third T20I. #TeamIndia | #NZvIND

— BCCI (@BCCI) October 26, 2026

A right adductor strain affects the group of muscles located on the inner side of the thigh. Such injuries can affect a player's movement and ability to accelerate, making recovery and match fitness important before returning to competitive cricket.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also issued an official update, stating that Kishan was recovering well but had not yet achieved match fitness.

“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 said in its statement.

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Kumar Kushagra To Continue With Indian Team

With Kishan unavailable, teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi replaced him in India's playing XI for the second T20I. Meanwhile, uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra was added to the squad as cover for the injured player.

The BCCI confirmed that Kushagra would continue to remain with the team for the third T20I as India look to maintain their winning momentum.

India currently lead the five-match T20I series 2-0 and will aim to secure another victory in Wellington to take a major lead. New Zealand, meanwhile, will be keen to bounce back and keep the series alive.

With Kishan continuing his recovery under the supervision of the BCCI Medical Team, his return will depend on his progress and when he regains full match fitness.