Ishan Kishan Ruled Out of Third T20I Against New Zealand as Injury Recovery Continues

Kishan sustained a low-grade right adductor strain during the first T20I against New Zealand last week. Although his recovery is progressing well, the BCCI Medical Team has not cleared him to return to action for the third match, scheduled to be played in Wellington on October 27, 2026.

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 statement added, "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."

The right adductor muscles are located on the inner side of the thigh and help facilitate leg movement. Kishan's injury has kept him out of the first two matches following his initial setback, with his fitness continuing to be monitored by the BCCI Medical Team.

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

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— BCCI (@BCCI) October 26, 2026

His absence also opened the door for teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to feature in India's playing XI for the second T20I. Meanwhile, India brought in uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra as cover for Kishan, and the BCCI has confirmed that he will remain with the squad for the third match.

India have won the first two matches and currently lead the five-match series 2-0. With Kishan unavailable for the Wellington fixture, the team will continue without the wicketkeeper-batter as it looks to extend its advantage in the series on October 27.