NZ vs IND: Ishan Kishan misses 3rd T20I to add to India’s No.3 woes

India have suffered a setback on the injury front during their ongoing T20I series against New Zealand, with wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan set to miss the third match as well. India Today has learned that the left-hander, who was unavailable for the second T20I due to low tension in his right adductor, he did not recover in time for the next match.

Kishan’s continued absence leaves India without one of their most aggressive batting options. His ability to attack from the very beginning and contribute across the top and middle order has offered the team valuable flexibility, making the latest injury update a concern for India’s combination going forward.

INDIA MISS KISHAN AT NO.3

The biggest problem with Kishan being out is the strength that is missing at No. 3. In the first game, Kishan went to No. 5 due to a problem and Tilak Varma was promoted to the No. 3 position.

But Tilak failed to produce the desired effect during the match and fell for 6 off just 11 balls. In the second match, India brought in Vaibhav Sooryavanshi but the 15-year-old couldn’t make the desired impact.

Sooryavanshi fell for just 4 off 8 balls in the second T20I. Since returning to the Indian team, Kishan has operated mainly in the top order with great success.

Kishan scored 1159 runs from 35 matches at an average of 36.21 and a strike rate of 171.44. In this he scored 884 runs at No. 3 in 26 innings.

India roped in Kishan’s Jharkhand teammate Kumar Kushagra as cover for the keeper. The medical team is now closely monitoring Kishan’s condition and recovery. India will be hoping to have the services of Kishan before the action moves to Auckland on Friday 30 October.

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