Ishan Kishan ruled out of third T20I against New Zealand
Ishan Kishan will miss the third T20I against New Zealand in Wellington on Tuesday, 27 October, as a precaution after a right adductor strain suffered in the series opener. India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel confirmed at the pre-match press conference that Kishan will not be considered for selection.
The match at Hnry Stadium, Wellington starts at 12:30 PM IST. India lead the five-match New Zealand vs India T20I Series 2026 2-0 and can seal it with a win.
Kishan’s injury and the replacement
The BCCI said Kishan is recovering well but has not yet regained match fitness. Uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra will stay with the squad for the third T20I.
Teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi replaced Kishan in the XI for the second T20I. According to Deccan Herald, he retains his place for the third match, while Outlook India is more cautious and says he may keep his spot.
New Zealand changes and conditions
New Zealand will be without Lockie Ferguson, who leaves for Auckland for workload management with a five-match ODI series to follow. He is due to rejoin the squad for the final two T20Is. Matt Henry will stay in Christchurch to join the ODI squad in Auckland on 2 November. Matt Fisher comes in as pace cover for the third T20I only, and Kyle Jamieson will feature in the match.
Michael Bracewell said New Zealand want a more complete performance and see plenty of positives from the first two games. ICC describes the match as a must-win for the hosts if they are to avoid a series defeat.
Morkel expects the wind to play a big role, calling it a ‘different beast’, and said India will treat it as a challenge without making excuses. PTI notes the Basin Reserve is open on three sides, so gusts could test bowlers and batters. Outlook India’s pitch report expects early swing and seam for pacers, with the surface easing for batters as the game goes on. It forecasts no rain, humidity rising to 77% in the evening and significant dew, which could make bowling first the likely choice.
What it means for India
India won the first T20I on 22 October by 4 wickets, reaching 230/6 in 19.4 overs against New Zealand’s 225/4. They won the second on 24 October, also by 4 wickets, with 181/6 in 19.5 overs against 180/5.
A win in Wellington would clinch the series and extend India’s unbeaten T20I run in New Zealand that goes back to 2020. The fourth T20I is on Friday, 30 October and the fifth on Sunday, 1 November, both at 12:30 PM IST.
