IND vs NZ: Ishan Kishan ruled out of third T20I against New Zealand

Ishan Kishan will miss the third T20 International against New Zealand as he continues to recover from a thigh injury, the BCCI confirmed on Monday.The wicketkeeper-batter suffered a right adductor strain during the first T20I last week. He also missed the second match and has not yet regained full match fitness.The BCCI said Kishan was making progress but was not ready to return to action.“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,” BCCI said in a statement.“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 statement said.The right adductor muscles are located on the inner side of the thigh and help with leg movement.Kishan’s absence gave teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi an opportunity in the playing XI for the second T20I.India had also brought in uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra as cover for the injured Kishan. The BCCI has confirmed that Kushagra will remain with the squad for the third match.India have won the first two matches and lead the five-match series 2-0. The third T20I will be played in Wellington on October 27.