Indian wicketkeeper batter Ishan Kishan has been ruled out of the third T20I against New Zealand, scheduled for October 27, 2026 in Wellington. The Board of Control for Cricket in India made the announcement on Monday, October 26, confirming that a low-grade right adductor strain sustained during the opening match of the series continues to keep him sidelined.

Kishan had already missed the second T20I because of the same injury, with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi stepping in to fill his place in the team on that occasion. The BCCI stated that while Kishan is recovering well, he has not yet attained the level of match fitness required to return to competitive action. The board did not indicate a specific date for his return to the playing eleven.

"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," the official statement read.

Who replaces Kishan for the third T20I?

Kumar Kushagra, who was drafted into the squad as a replacement ahead of the second T20I, will retain his place in the side for the third match at Hnry Stadium in Wellington on Tuesday, October 27. Kushagra will continue to shoulder the wicketkeeping responsibilities in Kishan's absence for at least one more game in this series.

Kishan has been a reliable contributor for India in the shortest format of the game, having accumulated 1,955 runs across 67 T20 Internationals at an average of 31.03 and a strike rate of 148.55. His continued unavailability places Kushagra in the spotlight once again as India seek to press home their advantage in the series.

Where does the series stand ahead of the third T20I?

India currently hold a commanding 2-0 lead in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, with three matches still remaining. A win at Hnry Stadium would be sufficient to seal the series in India's favour before the final two games are even contested.

With the team combination expected to remain broadly unchanged from the second match, the third T20I in Wellington on Tuesday presents India with their first opportunity to clinch the contest. Kushagra's continued presence behind the stumps ensures stability in the wicketkeeping role as the side targets a series-deciding result.