Shreyas Iyer Returns to T20I Squad, Washington Sundar Ruled Out of Series Against New Zealand.
Top-order batter Shreyas Iyer has been recalled to India’s T20I squad ahead of the upcoming five-match series against New Zealand. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the changes on Friday, January 16.
Iyer returns as Tilak Varma’s replacement for the first three T20Is, marking his first appearance in the format since the 2023 T20I series against Australia. The Punjab Kings captain has enjoyed a strong resurgence in T20 cricket, having led Kolkata Knight Riders to the 2024 IPL title and guiding Punjab Kings to the 2025 IPL final, scoring 604 runs at a strike rate of 175 last season.
All-rounder Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the series due to a side strain sustained while bowling in the first ODI against New Zealand on January 11 at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara. Sundar underwent scans and expert consultation and has been advised rest, with Ravi Bishnoi named as his replacement.
Tilak Varma Update
The 23-year-old left-hander was hospitalized after experiencing acute testicular pain during the Vijay Hazare Trophy in Rajkot and underwent successful surgery earlier this week. He has since been discharged and is recovering well.
What This Means for Iyer
Iyer’s return comes just weeks ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. While India have already named their 15-member World Cup squad, the series against New Zealand gives Iyer a chance to showcase his ability against spin in Indian conditions—a potential advantage if injury replacements are required during the tournament.
India’s Updated T20I Squad vs New Zealand
Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Shreyas Iyer (first three T20Is), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (VC), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ishan Kishan (WK), Ravi Bishnoi
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