Ishan Kishan ruled out of third T20I against New Zealand as precautionary measure

India's coaching staff announced that wicketkeeper‑batter Ishan Kishan will miss the third T20 International against New Zealand, citing precautionary reasons after a recent muscle strain. Bowling coach Morne Morkel made the statement during the pre‑match press conference in Wellington, confirming Kishan's exclusion from the playing XI.

The 28‑year‑old suffered a right adductor strain in the series‑opening match last week and was also absent from the second T20I, where teenage prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi took his place. The upcoming fixture is scheduled for October 27, 2026, in Wellington. The BCCI issued a release noting that Kishan is recovering but has not yet regained full match fitness, and that uncapped wicketkeeper‑batter Kumar Kushagra has been retained as a backup.

Kishan's injury removes a key batting and keeping option from the Indian side, potentially affecting team balance ahead of the final game of the series. The decision underscores the board's cautious approach to player health, with the medical team continuing to monitor his progress. New Zealand will face a reshuffled Indian lineup, while fans await updates on Kishan's return to full fitness.