Ishan Kishan could return to India’s playing XI for the fourth T20I against New Zealand after missing the third match due to a low-grade right adductor strain. The wicketkeeper-batter is recovering well, and bowling coach Morne Morkel's comments hint that he might be back for the fourth game.

India bowling coach Morne Morkel and the BCCI have provided updates on Kishan’s fitness ahead of the third T20I in Wellington on October 27. His potential return could see him replace Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, depending on his recovery and match fitness.

BCCI Provides Update on Ishan Kishan

Morne Morkel confirmed that Ishan Kishan would not be available for the third T20I but had joined the team to train as he continues his recovery.

“Ishan Kishan is unavailable for the 3rd T20I. He's here to train and is doing well. But his unavailability is mostly precautionary,” Morkel said.

The BCCI also issued an update on Ishan Kishan's condition, confirming that he is yet to regain match fitness. Ishan Kishan sustained the injury during the first T20I of the series against New Zealand.

“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,” the BCCI stated.

With his recovery progressing well, Ishan Kishan could be considered for the fourth T20I if he regains sufficient fitness and may replace Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who took his No.3 spot.

Morne Morkel Speaks on Wellington Conditions

Wellington’s weather has presented another challenge for India, with strong winds and evening dew potentially affecting bowling plans. Morkel acknowledged that wet conditions can make it harder for bowlers to maintain control, particularly when executing yorkers and fuller deliveries under pressure.

“As soon as there’s dew and the field gets wet, it is a challenge. The margins become a lot smaller for the bowlers… executing those fuller balls, your yorkers, especially under pressure… having that grip on the ball, that’s sometimes going to be a challenge,” Morkel stated, as quoted by RevSportz.

The India bowling coach also spoke about the unusually strong winds in Wellington and their potential effect on batters at the crease.

“This is a different beast, this wind. I was in the hotel this morning and the whole building was sort of shaking… It can impact batting, your stance, it can impact you at the crease… but it’s looking forward to that challenge and taking it head-on, not really making excuses.”

The conditions could also provide useful preparation for India’s red-ball players ahead of the Test matches later in the tour. The T20I squad trained at Basin Reserve, which is also the venue for the opening Test. Morne Morkel said he had spoken to players who were still in India about the conditions they could encounter in New Zealand.

“I spoke to some of the boys who were back in India last night and they asked sort of what are the conditions like, and I said, ‘Make sure you get a very strong fan at home and you walk into the fan, because that is going to be your preparation,'” Morkel laughed. “At the end of the day, you need somebody to put their hand up and bowl into the wind, because we can’t have four guys bowling with the wind.”

Arshdeep Singh Likely to Stay Back in New Zealand for Test Matches

With a demanding schedule ahead, India are also considering keeping some seamers in New Zealand as cover for the Test series. Morkel indicated that Arshdeep Singh is among the bowlers being discussed for that role.

“We are sort of planning, you know, a group of bowlers that we would like to potentially stay behind as cover because of the schedule,” Morkel explained.

He added that Arshdeep’s skill set could make him a suitable option if India need additional resources for the red-ball matches.

“On paper and in the back of our minds, there are a nice group of bowlers that can suit all the conditions, and Arshdeep is definitely in that conversation… he ticks all the boxes, so if needed with the red ball, I’m pretty sure he’ll be fine.”