India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has been ruled out of the third T20I against New Zealand after suffering a low-grade right adductor strain during the opening match of the five-game series.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed on October 26 that Kishan is recovering well but has yet to regain match fitness ahead of the Wellington encounter on October 27.
Kishan sustained the injury during India's first T20I against New Zealand on October 22. He subsequently missed the second match, with teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi taking his place in the playing XI. The medical team continues to monitor Kishan's progress, while Kumar Kushagra will remain with the Indian squad as wicketkeeping cover for the third match.
The injury has raised questions about Kishan's recovery timeline and availability for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand. The 28-year-old has been named in India's ODI squad, but his participation will depend on his rehabilitation and fitness clearance.
What Is A Right Adductor Strain?
An adductor strain is a muscle injury that commonly affects the groin and inner thigh. The adductor muscles help bring the legs together and play an important role in maintaining balance, accelerating and changing direction.
The injury can occur when the muscles are stretched beyond their capacity or subjected to sudden force during physical activity. Depending on its severity, it can involve anything from minor muscle-fibre damage to a partial or complete tear.
For a cricketer, an adductor strain can affect running between the wickets, quick changes of direction, fielding movements and the ability to maintain balance while batting. Wicketkeepers may also experience discomfort when crouching, moving laterally or getting up quickly.
Recent Players Who Have Suffered Similar Injuries
Adductor and groin injuries are common in professional sport, particularly in activities involving explosive movements, sprinting and rapid changes of direction. However, it is important to distinguish a confirmed adductor strain from other thigh or groin injuries.
In Kishan's case, the BCCI has explicitly confirmed a low-grade right adductor strain. Prior to Ishan Kishan's injury, England captain Ben Stokes suffered a significant right adductor (groin) injury. Babar Azam and Chris Woakes also suffered similar injuries previously.
How Long Does An Adductor Strain Take To Heal?
The recovery timeline depends on the extent of the muscle damage, the athlete's symptoms and the effectiveness of rehabilitation.
Mild strain: Symptoms may settle within one to three weeks, although returning to competitive sport can take longer.
Moderate strain: Recovery can take several weeks, often around four to eight weeks.
Severe strain: A significant tear or tendon injury can require several months of rehabilitation and, in some cases, surgery.
Treatment generally involves relative rest from aggravating activities, followed by a structured rehabilitation programme. As symptoms improve, the athlete gradually progresses through mobility exercises, strengthening, running and sport-specific drills.
Returning too early can increase the risk of aggravating the injury or developing persistent groin pain. For this reason, a player being described as recovering well does not necessarily mean that he is ready to compete.
Will Ishan Kishan Play In The Upcoming ODI Series?
Kishan has been named in India's squad for the five-match ODI series against New Zealand, which begins on November 4 in Auckland. He is included in the squad for both the first three ODIs and the final two matches.
His availability, however, remains subject to recovery and medical assessment. As of October 26, the BCCI has not announced a confirmed return date or stated that he will definitely be available for the ODI opener.
How Has India Performed Against New Zealand?
India have made a strong start to the five-match T20I series, winning the opening two games by four wickets each to take a 2-0 lead. The first victory came in Christchurch on October 22, followed by another win at the same venue on October 24.
Shubman Gill And KL Rahul To Prepare For Test Series
India's upcoming ODI schedule could offer Kishan another opportunity to return to action, provided he recovers in time. The BCCI has included him in the ODI squad for the New Zealand tour, including the final two matches, in which he has been named vice-captain.
Shubman Gill and KL Rahul, meanwhile, are part of India's plans for the first three ODIs but are not included in the squads for the fourth and fifth matches.
Both players are expected to shift their focus towards preparations for the two-match Test series against New Zealand, which begins on November 19 in Wellington.
This could give Kishan an opportunity to feature in the latter part of the ODI series if he completes his rehabilitation and receives medical clearance.