Ishan Kishan To Play 5th T20I? Batting Coach Shares Update

India’s batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, has provided a major boost for the Men in Blue ahead of the fifth and final T20I against New Zealand.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference on Friday, January 30, 2026, Kotak indicated that star wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan is “very likely” to return to the playing XI for the series finale in Thiruvananthapuram.

Kishan, who has been in explosive form this series with a strike rate of 224.00, missed the fourth T20I in Visakhapatnam due to a minor niggle. His absence was keenly felt as India suffered a 50-run defeat, their first loss of the series.

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Ishan Kishan Fitness Update: The Key Takeaways

• The Status: Kotak stated that Kishan is recovering well and participated in the practice sessions.
• The Final Call: While the coach is optimistic, the final decision rests with the team’s medical staff. “The physios will take a call, but I feel it is very likely,” Kotak remarked.
• Impact Player: Kishan has amassed 112 runs in 3 innings this series. His return is crucial for India’s “fearless” batting blueprint as they look to finish the series 4–1.

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IND vs NZ: 5th T20I Match Details

The final match serves as a high-stakes dress rehearsal for the 2026 T20 World Cup, which begins next month.

Detail	Information
Date & Time	Saturday, January 31, 2026
Venue	Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram
Weather	26°C, humid; 4% chance of rain (unlikely to affect play).
Pitch Report	A balanced “belter” with high scores expected; dew will favor the team batting second.
Where to Watch	Star Sports Network & JioHotstar

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India’s Probable Playing XI

With workload management in mind, the team may rest Hardik Pandya, making room for the return of both Kishan and vice-captain Axar Patel.

1. Abhishek Sharma
2. Sanju Samson (wk)
3. Ishan Kishan (Returning)
4. Suryakumar Yadav (c)
5. Shivam Dube
6. Rinku Singh
7. Axar Patel (Returning)
8. Kuldeep Yadav
9. Arshdeep Singh
10. Jasprit Bumrah
11. Varun Chakaravarthy