Ishan Kishan Excluded from Second T20I Against New Zealand Due to Injury

Ishan Kishan has been ruled out of the second T20I against New Zealand due to a low-grade right adductor strain. The injury occurred during the first match of the series, where he scored only one run. India's batting coach indicated that Kishan's participation in the upcoming match is unlikely. With India leading the series 1-0, the team will look to maintain their momentum despite his absence. This article explores the injury details, team updates, and the context of the ongoing series.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 23, 2026, 10:36 IST

Ishan Kishan Excluded from Upcoming T20I Match

India's wicketkeeper-batter, Ishan Kishan, will not participate in the second T20I against New Zealand due to a low-grade strain in his right adductor, as confirmed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Friday. This match is set to take place at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Saturday.

Injury Overview and Team Status

The 28-year-old player suffered the injury during the first T20I against New Zealand held in Christchurch on Thursday. Batting at No. 5 in India's pursuit of 226 runs, Kishan managed to score only one run before being dismissed by New Zealand's captain, Mitchell Santner.

Ahead of the second T20I, India's batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, suggested that Kishan's participation was doubtful due to a groin issue. He stated, "Ishan has a slight groin niggle. I feel tomorrow's match is also unlikely for him to feature."

In his T20I career, Kishan has accumulated 1,955 runs across 67 matches, boasting an average of 31.03 and a strike rate of 148.55. He is also included in India's squad for the upcoming five-match ODI series against New Zealand.

Context of the Series

India enters the second T20I with a 1-0 advantage in the five-match series, following a four-wicket win in the first match. Sanju Samson played a pivotal role in the chase, scoring a brisk 67 runs off 33 balls, while Naman Dhir contributed an explosive unbeaten 42 runs from just 15 balls, leading India to victory with two balls remaining. Captain Shreyas Iyer also added 42 runs off 28 balls.

Previously, Glenn Phillips had an outstanding performance, scoring an unbeaten 82 runs off 40 balls, and Finn Allen contributed 45 runs off 24 balls, helping New Zealand set a total of 225/4, their highest score in home T20Is. India's tour of New Zealand includes five T20Is, followed by five ODIs and two Test matches.