India coach provides massive update on Ishan Kishan's injury ahead of NZ vs IND 2026 3rd T20I

India bowling coach Morne Morkel confirmed that wicket-keeper Ishan Kishan will miss the upcoming third T20I against New Zealand as well due to a low-grade adductor strain. The southpaw had recently missed the second T20I for the same reason after sustaining the injury in the series opener at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

Ishan Kishan had batted at No.5 in the first T20I after suffering the injury and was ruled out of the next match. Teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi replaced him in the playing XI, while India added young wicket-keeper Kumar Kushagra as cover in the squad.

Ishan Kishan was initially ruled out for only one match, and although he is recovering well, he is set to miss the third T20I in Wellington as well. Morne Morkel confirmed the same during the pre-match press conference, while mentioning that it is a precautionary measure.

"Ishan is doing well. He will be training today. For tomorrow, I think he is not available for selection, just as a precaution," the bowling coach said.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also issued a statement soon after, adding that the medical team is monitoring his progress.

"Ishan Kishan is recovering well from his low-grade right adductor strain, which he sustained during the first T20I of the series against New Zealand. He is yet to regain match fitness and is ruled out of the third T20I to be played on October 27, 2026, in Wellington. The BCCI Medical Team is monitoring Ishan's progress. Kumar Kushagra will continue to be with the team for the third T20I," the official statement read.

In Ishan Kishan's absence, Vaibhav Suryavanshi featured at No.3 for India in the second T20I. However, the teenager struggled in his first-ever outing on New Zealand soil, scoring four runs off eight balls, before Nathan Smith dismissed him.

"This is a different, different beast" - Morne Morkel on the wind factor ahead of the NZ vs IND 2026 3rd T20I

Morne Morkel admitted that wind is going to play a massive role in the third T20I, with severe northwest winds projected for tomorrow. India has played three T20Is in Wellington, losing two and winning one after a super over.

“I mean, yeah, this is a different, different beast, this wind. I was in the hotel this morning and the whole building was sort of shaking. So I think it is going to be a new sort of thing that we add to our books for the guys to get used to and accustomed to, with a quick turnaround," Morne Morkel said.

Shreyas Iyer and co. head into the contest with a near-unassailable 2-0 lead. A win in the third T20I will seal the series in their favor with two matches remaining.

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