The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed on Monday that wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has been ruled out of the third T20 International against New Zealand. Kishan is currently sidelined with a low-grade right adductor strain, an injury sustained during the opening match of the series.
Despite missing the second match of the tour, the 26-year-old has not yet met the physical requirements for a return to the playing XI. The upcoming fixture is scheduled for Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at the Hnry Stadium in Wellington. The medical staff is currently overseeing his rehabilitation process to determine his availability for the remainder of the tour.
“He is recovering well at the moment,” the BCCI said in an official statement addressing the injury update. “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 injury forced the team management to adjust their squad dynamics early in the five-match series. In the second T20I, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi stepped into the team to occupy the slot left vacant by Kishan. Meanwhile, Kumar Kushagra, who was specifically drafted into the squad as a replacement following the injury diagnosis, is expected to remain available for selection for the Wellington clash.
India currently holds a 2-0 lead in the five-match set, placing them in a favorable position to clinch the series on Tuesday. The absence of Kishan, a regular fixture in the top order, presents a challenge for the lineup, but the visitors have so far maintained their momentum against the hosts.
The medical team has not provided a specific date for when Kishan might be cleared for full match action. His status for the final two games of the series will likely depend on how he responds to treatment over the next 48 hours. For now, the selection committee will look to the existing squad depth to secure a series-winning victory in Wellington.
