Ishan Kishan, a wicketkeeper-batter who suffered a low-grade right adductor strain during the series opener at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, will not play in the second Twenty20 International against New Zealand. For the second Twenty20 International, which is set for Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the same location, Kumar Kushagra has been added to the team as specialist cover, according to the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
The selection committee was able to move quickly because Kushagra was already in Christchurch as a member of the India A touring group and no further travel arrangements were needed. Kishan’s condition is being closely monitored by the BCCI Medical Team on a daily basis, but no return date or recovery timeline has been announced as of yet.
On October 22, 2026, India won the first match at Hagley Oval by four wickets, giving them a 1-0 series lead going into the second Twenty20 International. Before being dismissed by New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner, Kishan’s contribution in that first Twenty20 International was restricted to just one run.
What has been confirmed by the BCCI regarding the nature of Ishan Kishan’s injury?
During the first Twenty20 International at Hagley Oval, the 28-year-old left-handed hitter suffered a low-grade strain to his right adductor muscle group. The injury is especially serious for a specialist keeper-batter because the adductor muscles, which run along the inner thigh, are essential for batting movement, wicketkeeping footwork, and running between the wickets.
The medical team is still evaluating Kishan’s progress, the BCCI confirmed in its media advisory, but it did not provide a timeframe for recovery. Until the medical staff provides an update, it is unclear whether he will be available for the remaining games of the five-match Twenty20 International series against New Zealand. The advisory contained no direct quotes from team management or BCCI representatives.
Jharkhand-born wicketkeeper-batsman Kumar Kushagra has advanced through the ranks and become well-known for his home team in every format. The right-handed batsman, who played for India’s Under-19 team in 2020, was instrumental in Jharkhand’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy victory in 2025–2026, scoring 422 runs at a strike rate of 161.88 in ten games. He ended up being the team’s second-highest run scorer, behind Kishan, whom he also happens to replace in the squad.
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When Kishan’s injury was confirmed, he was traveling with the India A team in Christchurch. Before the second Twenty20 International, the Men’s Selection Committee named him as a specialist cover because of his close proximity to the senior group.
India’s updated squad for the 2nd T20I vs New Zealand:
Shreyas Iyer (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Tilak Varma (VC), Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Naman Dhir, Prince Yadav, Mayank Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Kumar Kushagra (WK).
