Big squad update dropped from the BCCI headquarters recently! Shreyas Iyer stays with the team for all five T20I matches now. Tilak’s injury situation changed the original plans completely.
The IND vs NZ T20I series started with Shreyas Iyer replacing Tilak temporarily. BCCI announced he’d play only the first three matches initially. But Tilak Varma needs more recovery time than expected unfortunately.
Shreyas Iyer will travel to Vizag and Thiruvananthapuram for the final two games. The ODI VC gets extended playing time before the World Cup 2026 starts. His last T20I happened way back in December 2023 vs Australia.
Tilak Varma’s Recovery Timeline
Tilak’s injury kept him away from the squad during crucial games. He’s working hard at the BCCI COE on his comeback. Physical training already resumed, but match fitness still needs more work.
BCCI confirmed Tilak Varma progresses steadily with his recovery program daily. Doctors advised him to skip the remaining IND vs NZ T20I matches completely. Rushing back too soon could make the injury worse obviously.
Tilak will join the squad in Mumbai on February 3 instead. That’s just before India’s warm-up match for the T20 World Cup 2026. Sources close to him say he’s a “sure bet” for the tournament.
Washington Sundar’s Injury Concerns
Washington Sundar felt discomfort bowling in the first ODI at Vadodara. The all-rounder reported pain in his lower rib area immediately. Medical scans diagnosed a side strain that needed immediate rest.
Ravi Bishnoi replaced Sundar for these T20I matches against New Zealand. The leg-spinner is back after staying away for nearly a year. His comeback match in Guwahati went well with figures of 2/18.
Bishnoi bowled his four overs economically while picking up crucial wickets. Selectors might keep him for the World Cup if Sundar stays unavailable. Uncertainty continues about Sundar’s fitness for the big tournament ahead.
Shreyas Iyer waits for his chance to prove himself during the remaining matches. The extended opportunity helps him regain rhythm before the World Cup begins!
India Squad:
Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (VC), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ishan Kishan (WK), Ravi Bishnoi
