Injured Ishan Kishan ruled out of 3rd T20I as India eye series win vs New Zealand

Ishan Kishan has been ruled out of the third T20I against New Zealand as he continues to recover from his groin injury. The BCCI confirmed that Kishan is recovering well but is yet to regain match fitness.

In Short

• India play New Zealand in the 3rd T20I on October 27
• Ishan Kishan will miss the third T20I due to injury
• Kumar Kushagra will continue with the squad as Kishan recovers

India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has been ruled out of the third T20I against New Zealand as he continues to recover from a right adductor strain. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed on Monday that Kishan is recovering well but is yet to regain match fitness ahead of the match in Wellington on October 27.

Kishan sustained the low-grade strain during the opening T20I of the five-match series last week. He missed the second match as well, with teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi coming into the playing XI in his absence.

"The BCCI Medical Team is monitoring Ishan's progress," the board said in a statement, adding that uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra would continue to be part of the squad for the third T20I.

Kishan's absence means India will have to wait for the left-handed batter to return to full fitness, with the team management opting against rushing him back into action. A right adductor strain affects the muscles on the inner side of the thigh and can hamper a player's movement and running between the wickets.

HOW HAS ISHAN KISHAN BEEN RECOVERING?

India's bowling coach Morne Morkel said Kishan would miss the third T20I as a precautionary measure. The BCCI's update also indicated that the wicketkeeper-batter was making progress, although he had not yet reached the level of fitness required for a match.

Kushagra was brought into the squad as cover after Kishan's injury and will remain with the team for Tuesday's match. Sooryavanshi, meanwhile, replaced Kishan in the second T20I.

INDIA LOOK TO SEAL SERIES IN WELLINGTON

India head into the third T20I with a 2-0 lead in the five-match series against New Zealand. A win in Wellington would give the visitors an unassailable advantage and secure the series with two matches still to play.

With Kishan unavailable, Sanju Samson is expected to continue in the wicket-keeping role, while Vaibhav Soryavanshi is likely to get another chance in the top-order.

- Ends