Ishan Kishan's availability for the 5th T20 International (T20I) match between India and New Zealand remains uncertain, but there are positive signs suggesting he might return to the playing XI. The left-handed batsman had to sit out the fourth T20I due to a niggle he picked up in the third match of the series.
Team India's batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, provided an encouraging update on Kishan's fitness ahead of the crucial encounter. While the final decision rests with the team's medical staff, Kotak indicated that Kishan is likely to feature in the fifth T20I in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday. The physios will assess Kishan's fitness during practice before confirming his availability.
"Very likely, I think he will (play), as far as I know. The physios are here to watch him, and obviously they will take a call," Kotak said, expressing optimism about Kishan's return.
Kishan's absence was felt in the previous match, where India's batting order struggled during a challenging chase. In the series so far, Kishan has been in impressive form, amassing 112 runs in three T20Is at a remarkable strike rate of 224.00, and averaging 37.33. His explosive 76 off 32 balls in the second T20I played a pivotal role in India's successful chase of a stiff 209-run target.
Kotak praised Kishan's impact at the top of the order, emphasizing his ability to capitalize on opportunities and provide early momentum. "Ishan Kishan has always been good whenever he got an opportunity... The way he played two innings was really encouraging because in [the] power play, you are looking for someone to play the way he played," Kotak stated.
Ishan Kishan is a crucial backup option, and has been in good form in this series. He is expected to undergo a fitness test before the game. It is possible that Kishan could replace Sanju Samson in the fifth T20I.
Besides Kishan's fitness, all-rounder Axar Patel has also been recovering from a finger injury sustained in the first T20I. Axar bowled a few deliveries at the nets before the fourth match.
The India vs New Zealand series serves as an important precursor to the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. India will face USA in their first match of the T20 World Cup 2026 at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
