Correspondent, 26 October: Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan is highly likely to make a comeback to the Indian playing XI for the fourth T20 match against New Zealand. After sustaining a low-grade right adductor strain during the opening match of the series, he was forced to miss the third game. However, he is recovering rapidly and is expected to replace Vaibhav Suryavanshi in the fourth fixture.
Ahead of the third T20I scheduled to be held in Wellington on October 27, 2026, the BCCI and India's bowling coach Morne Morkel provided an update on Kishan's fitness. The cricket board clarified that while Kishan is recovering well from his injury, he has not yet regained full match fitness, which led to his exclusion from the third game. The BCCI medical team is actively monitoring his condition, and Kumar Kushagra will remain with the squad for the third match.
Addressing the injury, Morkel confirmed, "Ishan Kishan is not available for the third T20. He is practicing here and his condition is excellent. However, as a precautionary measure, he will not play." Once fully fit, Kishan could take the spot of number three batter Suryavanshi in the fourth encounter.
Meanwhile, the environmental conditions in Wellington are presenting a new challenge for the Indian team. Strong winds and evening dew can increase difficulties for the bowlers. Speaking to 'RevSportz', Morkel explained, "When the dew starts falling on the field, the challenge increases. At such times, there is very little margin for error for bowlers. Especially in pressure situations, bowling yorkers or fuller deliveries and gripping the ball sometimes becomes very difficult."
Elaborating on the intense wind speeds in Wellington, Morkel shared his experience from the team hotel. "This wind is of a very different kind. Today morning while in the hotel, it felt as if the entire building was shaking," the bowling coach remarked. He noted that the heavy gusts could affect batters' stances and their concentration at the crease, but emphasized that the team is prepared to face the challenge without making any excuses.
The T20 squad conducted their practice sessions at the Basin Reserve, the same venue that will host the first Test match of the series. Sharing a lighthearted interaction with players back in India regarding the local conditions, Morkel joked, "I spoke to some players in India. When they asked about the conditions here, I told them to put up a big fan at home and practice walking in front of it, because that will be your preparation. Ultimately, someone will have to take the initiative and bowl against the wind, because all four bowlers cannot bowl with the wind."
Given the busy upcoming schedule, the team management is considering keeping some fast bowlers in New Zealand as a backup for the Test series. Morkel revealed that discussions are ongoing regarding Arshdeep Singh. "Due to the schedule, we plan to keep some bowlers here as cover," he stated.
Morkel expressed confidence that Arshdeep's skills could translate well to red-ball cricket. "Considering it on paper, we have good bowlers who adapt to all conditions and Arshdeep is definitely in this discussion. He meets all the criteria, so if he is needed for red-ball, I am sure he will definitely perform well," Morkel concluded.
