NZ vs IND 2026: Why is Ishan Kishan not playing in the 3rd T20I?

Left-hander Ishan Kishan has been ruled out of the third T20I between India and New Zealand, scheduled for October 27, 2026, in Wellington. The BCCI confirmed that the wicketkeeper-batter has not yet regained full match fitness following a low-grade right adductor strain he sustained during the first T20I of the ongoing five-match series.

India head into the contest having won both opening games of the series. Shreyas Iyer won the toss at Henry Stadium, Wellington, and opted to field first. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who replaced Kishan in the second T20I playing XI, retains his place in the side for this match as well.

Why is Ishan Kishan not playing the third T20I?

Kishan picked up a low-grade right adductor strain, commonly referred to as a groin strain, during the first T20I against New Zealand. He was unable to recover sufficiently to take the field in the second match and has again failed to reach full fitness ahead of the third game. The BCCI has not provided a specific return date, stating only that medical staff are keeping a close watch on his condition.

What captains said after the toss?

Shreyas Iyer:

“We are going to bowl. Certain aspects we definitely need to keep improving. The dimensions and conditions are different, so the quicker we adapt the better for us. Lot of players are pretty mature to understand when they are not starting. Same team for us.”

Mitchell Santner:

“Looks like another good wicket, some pace and bounce. There is no wind which is nice. The dimensions are slightly different to where we have come from. We know India are a great side, you can’t let your foot off the gas. Three changes. Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson and Nathan Smith are out. Matthew Fisher, Kyle Jamieson and Adam Milne are in.”

What are the playing XIs for the third T20I?

India (Playing XI):

Sanju Samson (w), Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Shreyas Iyer (c), Tilak Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Naman Dhir, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav.

New Zealand (Playing XI):

Tim Seifert (w), Finn Allen, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Bevon Jacobs, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, Jacob Duffy, Matthew Fisher.