IND vs NZ: Will Ishan Kishan play 5th T20I in Thiruvananthapuram?

Ishan Kishan missed the fourth T20I due to an injury, and question remain on his availability for fifth IND vs NZ T20I.

India have asserted their supremacy in the ongoing five-match T20I series against New Zealand, securing a commanding 3-1 lead heading into the final encounter. The Men in Blue kicked off the series with a convincing victory in the opener, followed by a dominant performance in the second game where they chased down 209 with ease.

Despite a setback in the fourth match, where New Zealand pulled off a surprise win, India will not be too deterred. The final T20I, scheduled for January 31, 2026, at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, offers India a chance to end on a high note and fine-tune preparations ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 next month.

With the series already in the bag, captain Suryakumar Yadav might experiment with the lineup, but the focus remains on maintaining momentum against a resilient Kiwi side.

One player whose potential return has sparked interest is wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan. The left-hander has been a standout performer in the series, amassing 112 runs across his three innings at an impressive strike rate. Batting at No. 3, Kishan showcased his explosive form in the second T20I, smashing a blistering 76 off just 32 balls, including 11 fours and four sixes, which propelled India to a seven-wicket win while chasing 209.

In the third match, he contributed a quick-fire 28 off 13 balls with three fours and two sixes, further highlighting his ability to accelerate innings. Hence Kishan has justified his recall to the national side with impactful cameos that align with India’s high-octane T20 strategy.

Will Ishan Kishan play 5th IND vs NZ T20I?

Kishan was notably absent from the fourth T20I due to a minor niggle sustained in the previous game. Captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed at the toss that Arshdeep Singh replaced him, with the Jharkhand keeper missing out due to a niggle.

This allowed Sanju Samson to continue as wicketkeeper, though Samson’s underwhelming performance led by failing to capitalise on opportunities has raised questions about team selection.

Looking ahead to the fifth T20I, India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak expressed optimism about Kishan’s availability. “Kishan will likely play. The physio will take the call,” Kotak stated on the eve of the match, as reported by RevSportz.

With Kishan fit, he could reclaim his spot. Samson, a senior player capable of destructive innings, has been backed by the management to regain form, but Kishan’s recent exploits make a compelling case for his inclusion.

Another possibilty is resting a bowler, as India fielded an extra bowler for the fourth T20I. The final decision rests with the physio and team management, but Kishan’s return would bolster India’s middle order and provide valuable match practice before the World Cup.

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