Ishan Kishan, the wicketkeeper-batter from India, will not be playing in the third T20I against New Zealand on October 27 in Wellington. He has not yet returned to full fitness but the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed all the arrangements through an official statement. Kumar Kushagra joined in the squad as Kishan’s replacement before the second T20I and will continue with the squad.
Ishan Kishan Ruled Out, Sanju Samson Likely to Continue as Wicketkeeper
Kishan sustained the injury to the right adductor while playing in the first T20I and is making a good recovery. The BCCI medical team is following his rehabilitation, but the team management is unwilling to rush things and bring him back when he is fit. In the meanwhile, young batsman Vaibhav Sooryavanshi batted at number 3 in the second T20I but could not make an impact with just eight runs in four balls.
“The BCCI Medical Team is monitoring Ishan’s progress,” a BCCI statement read.
Sanju Samson is thought to remain as India’s wicketkeeper, while the Indian team may retain the same lineup for the third T20I. Players from the top-order such as Abhishek Sharma will be hoping for some runs despite the poor start to the series. Nonetheless, India has won both T20Is played till now. In the first T20, Samson was instrumental before Naman Dhir did a good job at the end. In the second T20, Tilak Varma stepped up during the final overs when the Indians were positioned precariously on the pitch.
Both Tilak and Nitish Kumar Reddy proved their worth and earned crucial runs to ensure the team scored victory in the match. As for New Zealand, some changes have been made in the squad for the third T20. While Lockie Ferguson is being rested, Matt Henry will not continue for the rest of the series as well. Kyle Jamieson has also been added to the squad for this T20I.