Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has been ruled out of the second T20I against New Zealand after sustaining a low-grade right adductor strain during the series opener at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. The Board of Control for Cricket in India confirmed that Kumar Kushagra has been brought into the squad as specialist cover for the second T20I, scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the same venue.
The BCCI said, “Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan sustained a low-grade right adductor strain during the first T20I against New Zealand and has been ruled out of the second T20I, which will be played on Saturday. The Men’s Selection Committee has added Kumar Kushagra to the squad as cover for the second T20I. Kushagra, who is currently in Christchurch with the India A squad, will join the India squad for the second T20I. The BCCI Medical Team continues to monitor Kishan’s progress.”
Since Kushagra was already in Christchurch as part of the India A touring group, the selection committee could move quickly and didn’t need to make any extra travel plans. Although the BCCI Medical Team has not yet announced a comeback date or recovery timeline, it is closely monitoring Kishan’s condition daily.
India leads the series 1-0 going into the second Twenty20 International after winning the first game at Hagley Oval by four wickets on October 22, 2026. Before being dismissed by New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner, Kishan’s contribution in that opening Twenty20 International was just one run.
During the first Twenty20 International at Hagley Oval, the 28-year-old left-handed batsman suffered a low-grade strain to his right adductor muscle group. For a specialised keeper-batter, the injury is more serious because the adductor muscles, which run along the inner thigh, are essential to batting movement, wicketkeeping footwork, and running between the wickets.
The medical staff is still evaluating Kishan’s development, but the BCCI did not provide a recovery window in its media advice. Until the medical staff provides an update, it is unclear if he will be available for the remaining games of the five-match Twenty20 International series against New Zealand. The recommendation contained no direct quotes from team management or BCCI officials.
