Setback for India: Ishan Kishan Misses Third T20

New Delhi, October 26: Team India faces a fresh challenge ahead of the third T20 International against New Zealand, set for Tuesday, October 27, as Ishan Kishan has been ruled out. The batter missed the second T20I because of an injury and will not play in the third game either.

The BCCI announced the decision on its official social media handle. According to the board, Kishan is making good progress in his recovery from a mild adductor strain in his right thigh, an injury sustained during the first T20I against New Zealand. Because he has not yet reached full fitness, he has been excluded from the match in Wellington on October 27, 2026. The BCCI's medical team is keeping a close watch on his rehabilitation, and Kumar Kushagra will stay with the squad for the third T20I.

With Kishan unavailable for the second T20I, Vaibhav Suryavanshi was given a chance in the playing eleven and batted at number three. He managed only 4 runs from 8 balls. Now that Kishan remains out, the 15-year-old could get another opportunity in the third match.

The Indian team had shown plenty of promise in the second T20I. Chasing 181 runs set by New Zealand, India reached the target with six wickets lost and one ball left in the innings. Tilak Varma's explosive 51 from 26 balls was a major contribution. Naman Dhir added 31 from 17 balls, and Nitish Kumar Reddy's unbeaten 26 from 13 balls helped carry the team over the line.

India leads the five-match T20 series 2-0 going into the next game.