📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Tata Ipl 2022
Sports
Ishan Kishan to miss 3rd NZ-India T20I, deepening India's No.3 batting woes
✍️ India Today
🗓 25 Oct 2026, 05:02 AM
👁 10
Ishan Kishan has been ruled out of the third T20 International against New Zealand, adding to India's ongoing struggles for a stable No.3 batsman.
India will be without opening‑batting all‑rounder Ishan Kishan for the third T20 International against New Zealand, as the board confirmed his unavailability ahead of the match. Kishan, who has been a regular feature in the limited‑overs side, is expected to miss the game due to a fitness concern that has not been disclosed in detail.
The absence comes at a critical juncture for the Indian side, which has struggled to find a consistent performer at the No.3 slot in recent series. The batting order has been shuffled repeatedly, and the loss of Kishan, who often provides a hard‑hitting option in the middle, leaves the team with limited alternatives.
Team management is reportedly evaluating a mix of experienced campaigners and emerging talent to fill the vacancy. Names such as Shreyas Iyer, Rahul Tripathi and the younger Ruturaj Gaikwad have been mentioned as possible replacements, though no final decision has been announced.
The third T20I, scheduled later this week, will be crucial for India to stabilise its middle order and maintain momentum in the series. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the side adapts to Kishan's sudden omission.
The absence comes at a critical juncture for the Indian side, which has struggled to find a consistent performer at the No.3 slot in recent series. The batting order has been shuffled repeatedly, and the loss of Kishan, who often provides a hard‑hitting option in the middle, leaves the team with limited alternatives.
Team management is reportedly evaluating a mix of experienced campaigners and emerging talent to fill the vacancy. Names such as Shreyas Iyer, Rahul Tripathi and the younger Ruturaj Gaikwad have been mentioned as possible replacements, though no final decision has been announced.
The third T20I, scheduled later this week, will be crucial for India to stabilise its middle order and maintain momentum in the series. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the side adapts to Kishan's sudden omission.