India Aims for Series Win Despite Kishan's Injury

India will play the third T20I against New Zealand in Wellington without Ishan Kishan, who is sidelined due to a right abductor strain. This marks his second consecutive match absence. As a precautionary measure, Kishan will not be available for selection.

The absence of Ishan Kishan provides an opportunity for the 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who is expected to retain his position in the starting lineup. Team India, led by Shreyas Iyer, aims to secure a 3-0 series lead.

Bowling coach Morne Morkel confirmed Kishan's unavailability, stating it is a precaution. Uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra is in the squad but unlikely to debut. Bhuvneshwar Kumar's place might be under review after conceding 99 runs in 8 overs for just one wicket in the first two matches.

New Zealand also faces personnel issues. Pacer Matt Henry has been ruled out with an injury, and Lockie Ferguson will be unavailable for the third T20I. Kyle Jamieson is available for this match only, with Adam Milne or Blair Tickner potential replacements.

India's predicted XI includes Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Shreyas Iyer (c), Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Prince Yadav, and Arshdeep Singh. New Zealand's predicted lineup features Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (wk), Bevon Jacobs/Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Nathan Smith, Kyle Jamieson, Adam Milne, and Jacob Duffy.