India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has been ruled out of the third T20I against New Zealand as he continues to recover from a low-grade right adductor strain sustained during the series opener. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed on Monday that the left-hander is making progress but has not yet regained full match fitness. The third T20I is scheduled to take place in Wellington on Tuesday, October 27, with India aiming to extend their lead in the five-match series.

According to the BCCI’s official statement, the team’s medical staff is closely monitoring Ishan Kishan’s recovery. The wicketkeeper-batter had experienced fitness concerns during the opening match, which affected his batting position. He subsequently missed India’s four-wicket victory in the second T20I on Saturday.

In his absence, 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was included in the playing XI. However, the young batter failed to make a significant impact, scoring just four runs off eight deliveries. Kumar Kushagra will remain in the Indian squad for the third T20I.

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Earlier on Monday, India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel said Kishan was recovering well but would not be considered for selection as a precaution. He also confirmed that the batter was expected to resume training.

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

Kishan’s continued absence could provide Sooryavanshi with another opportunity to impress at the international level. The youngster has been waiting for consistent chances as India have largely relied on Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma as their preferred opening combination.

Despite being fast-tracked into the national team following his impressive Indian Premier League (IPL) performances, Sooryavanshi is yet to establish himself in T20 internationals. Nevertheless, he has shown considerable promise, scoring two half-centuries in nine innings. He has accumulated 250 T20I runs at an impressive strike rate of 178.57, becoming India’s youngest international cricketer.

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Meanwhile, India have made an excellent start to the series. They chased down 226 in Christchurch with two balls remaining before recovering from 112/6 in pursuit of 182 in the second T20I. An unbeaten 69-run partnership between Tilak Varma and Nitish Reddy sealed a thrilling victory, giving India a commanding 2-0 series lead.