Ishan Kishan ruled out of third T20I as India seek series win in Wellington

India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has been ruled out of the third T20I against New Zealand in Wellington on October 27 as he continues to recover from a right adductor strain, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed on Monday. India lead the five-match series 2-0 and a victory in Wellington would secure the series with two matches still to play.

Kishan sustained the low-grade right adductor strain during the opening T20I of the series last week and missed the second match, 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.

The BCCI update said Kishan was recovering well but had not yet regained the match fitness required for selection ahead of the Wellington fixture. Team management have opted against rushing him back into action as he builds toward full fitness.

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, the board noted in its medical assessment. India's bowling coach Morne Morkel said Kishan would miss the third T20I as a precautionary measure.

Kushagra was brought into the squad as cover after Kishan's injury and will remain with the team for Tuesday's match. Sooryavanshi replaced Kishan in the second T20I, and Sanju Samson is expected to continue in the wicket-keeping role while Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is likely to get another chance in the top-order.

A win for India in Wellington on October 27 would make the series unassailable, securing the five-match tie with two games remaining.