Who replaces Tilak Varma in India T20Is?
Shreyas Iyer will continue with the Indian squad for the remainder of the ongoing five-match T20I series against New Zealand, after Tilak Varma was officially ruled out of the final two games due to fitness concerns. So let’s have a look at Who replaces Tilak Varma in India T20Is.
Iyer, who was initially drafted in as a temporary replacement, will travel with the team to Visakhapatnam and Thiruvananthapuram for the last two matches of the series.
Tilak Varma’s Injury Update
The BCCI confirmed on Monday that Tilak Varma is still undergoing rehabilitation and requires more time to regain full match fitness. The left-handed batter has resumed physical training at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, but medical staff have advised against rushing his return.
According to the board’s statement, Tilak is expected to join India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad in Mumbai on February 3, ahead of the team’s warm-up fixture. Sources close to the player remain confident about his availability for the World Cup.
Shreyas Iyer’s Role in the Series
Shreyas Iyer was originally named as a short-term replacement for the first three T20Is, but his continued presence with the squad had hinted that Tilak would miss the remainder of the series.
Despite being retained, Iyer is yet to feature in the playing XI during the series. The middle-order batter has not played a T20I since December 2023, though he remains a key figure in India’s white-ball setup as the ODI vice-captain.
Washington Sundar’s Fitness Still Uncertain
There is also uncertainty surrounding Washington Sundar’s fitness ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Sundar has been sidelined since the first ODI against New Zealand in Baroda after experiencing discomfort in his lower rib area while bowling.
Medical evaluations later diagnosed him with a side strain, and he has been advised rest before reporting to the BCCI Centre of Excellence for further assessment. While there is optimism that Sundar could return, his World Cup participation will depend on medical clearance.
Ravi Bishnoi Strengthens His Case
In Sundar’s absence, Ravi Bishnoi was drafted into the T20I squad and made an immediate impact. The leg-spinner returned impressive figures of 2 for 18 in four overs in Guwahati, marking a successful comeback after nearly a year away from international cricket.
With 43 T20Is to his name, Bishnoi has strengthened his case for a World Cup berth, especially if Sundar is unable to recover in time.
FAQs – Shreyas Iyer, Tilak Varma & India’s T20I Squad Update
Q1. Why is Shreyas Iyer staying back for the New Zealand T20Is?
Shreyas Iyer has been retained after Tilak Varma was ruled out of the final two matches due to fitness concerns.
Q2. When will Tilak Varma return to the Indian squad?
Tilak Varma is expected to join the squad in Mumbai on February 3, ahead of India’s T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up match.
Q3. Has Shreyas Iyer played in the ongoing T20I series?
No, Iyer is yet to feature in the playing XI during the series.
Q4. Is Washington Sundar ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2026?
Not yet. His availability will depend on medical clearance from the BCCI Centre of Excellence.
Q5. Who replaced Washington Sundar in the T20I squad?
Ravi Bishnoi replaced Sundar and impressed with a strong bowling performance.
Q6. Is Ravi Bishnoi in contention for the T20 World Cup squad?
Yes, Bishnoi’s recent performance has boosted his chances if Sundar remains unavailable.
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