Wellington: Injured wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan will be sidelined for the third T20 International against New Zealand as a precautionary measure, India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel confirmed on Monday.
The 28-year-old cricketer sustained a right adductor strain during the opening match of the series last week.
“Ishan is doing well. He will be training today. For tomorrow, I think he is not available for selection, just as a precaution,” Morkel stated during a pre-match press conference in Wellington.
The right adductor consists of a muscle group situated along the inner region of the thigh.
Kishan previously sat out the second T20I as well, with teenage batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi taking his spot in the starting line-up.
Uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra was brought into the squad to provide cover in Kishan’s absence.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also released an official update, noting that while Kishan’s recovery is progressing smoothly, he has yet to attain full match fitness.
“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 BCCI stated.
India currently holds a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.