Ishan Kishan Misses IND vs NZ 4th T20I Due to Injury: What Happened and What It Means
The cricketing world has been buzzing with talk around Ishan Kishan and his absence from India’s Playing XI for the 4th T20 International (T20I) against New Zealand in Visakhapatnam on January 28, 2026. Considering how impressive Kishan has been in this series, his omission raised eyebrows and sparked plenty of discussion among fans and experts alike.
In this article, we unpack what happened, the reasons behind his absence, the impact on Team India, and what it could mean for upcoming fixtures — especially with the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 just weeks away.
Why Ishan Kishan Didn’t Play the 4th T20I
Minor Injury (Niggle) Rules Him Out
India captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed at the toss that Ishan Kishan was not included in the 4th T20I XI due to a minor injury concern — described publicly as a “niggle” picked up during the previous match. This meant the team management opted to rest him as a precautionary measure rather than risk aggravating the issue ahead of bigger fixtures.
Despite being in excellent touch throughout the series, Kishan wasn’t risked for India’s batting lineup in Vizag. Instead, pace spearhead Arshdeep Singh made his way back into the team as the change, slightly altering India’s balance toward bowling.
Ishan Kishan’s Form in the Series: A Quick Look
Before missing the 4th game, Ishan Kishan had been one of India’s best performers in the series:
- He scored a blistering 76 off 32 balls in the second T20I, earning the Player of the Match award.
- Across three matches, Kishan compiled over 110 runs with an exceptional strike rate of more than 220.
This form made his absence all the more notable, especially when India needed explosive starts to chase big totals or set competitive targets.
What the Team Management Said
At the pre-match toss, Suryakumar Yadav explained that Kishan’s injury was kept under wraps as a minor precaution. With the T20 World Cup less than two weeks away, he added that the team didn’t want to take unnecessary risks with the in-form wicketkeeper-batter.
This cautious approach reflects a broader trend in modern cricket where teams carefully manage workloads and avoid pushing players when niggles occur — particularly with key ICC tournaments nearing.
Fan Reaction and Controversy
Despite the official explanation, some fans reacted skeptically on social media. A viral video showed Kishan running on the field during the same match, which led to speculation and questions over whether his injury was serious or perhaps overstated. Critics argued that his presence on the field performing light activity didn’t match the “injury” narrative.
While such reactions are common online, it’s important to remember that team decisions around injuries are based on the coaching and medical staff’s assessments, not just what is seen in snippets of footage.
Impact on India’s Playing XI
Batting Line-Up Adjustments
Kishan’s absence meant a reshuffle in the top order. Sanju Samson likely moved into the wicketkeeping role and batting positions were tweaked to accommodate the reshuffle. With Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and Shivam Dube filling in key batting positions, India still boasted a strong lineup.
Bowling Reinforcement
Including Arshdeep Singh gave India an additional bowling option and allowed a deeper attack — a strategic choice on a pitch expected to assist bowlers. This kind of balance shift shows that selectors wanted to experiment with roles and combinations this late in the series.
Looking Ahead: T20 World Cup 2026
With the ICC T20 World Cup around the corner, this development takes on greater importance. Ishan Kishan is currently part of India’s World Cup plans, and resting him for a minor niggle could be aimed at ensuring he’s fully fit for that tournament rather than risking aggravation in a match that doesn’t decide the series.
India’s batting depth gives the selectors options, but losing consistent power hitters like Kishan even temporarily can influence how the team navigates pressure situations in big events.
What This Means for Kishan Personally
Ishan Kishan’s journey back into the Indian side after a long injury layoff has been closely observed by fans. This minor setback doesn’t diminish his standing, given his impressive recent performances.
Being rested for one game while still in the squad suggests the management values his long-term fitness and impact. If anything, this precautionary approach might help prolong his effectiveness throughout the World Cup and beyond.
Series Recap: India vs New Zealand T20I
Despite missing Kishan, India faced a strong challenge in the 4th T20I. New Zealand registered a 50-run win, indicating the match was high scoring and competitive.
India had already sealed the series earlier, allowing the team more freedom to try out combinations and manage player fitness ahead of upcoming commitments.
Final Thoughts: Ishan Kishan’s Value to Team India
Ishan Kishan’s absence in the 4th T20I was a precautionary move, not a sign of any long-term setback.
His blistering form earlier in the series shows why he is considered a match-winner and why India’s management views his fitness as vital leading into the world stage.
For fans, the hope now will be for a quick and complete recovery so Kishan can return stronger and continue playing the aggressive brand of cricket that makes him one of India’s most exciting batters.
Also Read: Sanju Samson Faces Criticism Before T20 WC! – Logic Matters
