Injured Ishan Kishan ruled out of 3rd T20I as India Eye series win against New Zealand

Indian wicketkeeper-batsman 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 fitness ahead of the match in Wellington on October 27.

Kishan suffered a low strain during the opening T20I of the five-match series last week. He missed the second match as well, in his absence teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi came into the playing eleven.

“The BCCI medical team is monitoring Ishan’s progress,” the management said in a statement, adding that uncapped Kumar Kushagra will continue to be part of the squad for the third T20I.

Kishan’s absence means India will have to wait for the left-handed batsman to return to full fitness, with the team management opting not to rush him back into action. Right adductor strain affects the muscles on the inner thigh and can prevent a player from moving and running between goals.

HOW IS ISHAN KISHAN RECOVERING?

Indian bowling coach Morne Morkel said Kishan will miss the third T20I as a precautionary measure. The BCCI update also indicated that the wicket-keeper batsman is making progress, although he is yet to reach the fitness level required for the match.

Kushagra was brought into the lineup as cover after Kishan’s injury and will remain with the team for Tuesday’s game. Meanwhile, Sooryavanshi replaced Kishan in the second T20I.

INDIA LOOK TO SEAL SEAL IN WELLINGTON

India go 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 unrepeatable advantage and clinch the series with two games remaining.

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

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