India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has been ruled out of the third T20I against New Zealand as he continues to recover from a low-grade right adductor strain. The match is scheduled to take place in Wellington on October 27, 2026.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed on October 26 that Kishan was recovering well but was not yet fit to return to action. The medical team is monitoring his progress, while wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra remains with the squad as cover.

Kishan sustained the injury during the opening match of the five-match series and also missed the second T20I. His absence means India will once again have to adjust their batting combination for the upcoming game.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Could Get Another Opportunity

Young batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is among the players in focus ahead of the third T20I. He featured in the second match, batting at No. 3, but managed just four runs off eight deliveries.

His batting position has since become a talking point, with former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin questioning whether the youngster would be better suited to opening the innings. Sooryavanshi could get another opportunity in Wellington, although India's final playing XI will be confirmed at the toss.

India Look to Extend Their Lead

India head into the third T20I with a 2-0 advantage in the five-match series. The visitors won the first two matches by four wickets each and now have an opportunity to seal the series with two games to spare.

New Zealand, meanwhile, will be keen to respond on home soil and keep their hopes alive in the contest.

With Kishan unavailable, India's team combination and Sooryavanshi's potential role will be among the key talking points ahead of the match.