India’s preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup have received an unexpected twist after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced key changes to the squad for the five-match T20I series against New Zealand. Middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer and leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi have been drafted into the squad following injury setbacks to Washington Sundar and Tilak Varma, both of whom are currently racing against time to regain full fitness.

The series, scheduled to begin on January 21, will be India’s final bilateral assignment before the T20 World Cup gets underway on February 7. With the tournament looming large, every squad decision carries added significance, and the latest inclusions underline the selectors’ intent to balance immediate performance needs with long-term planning.

Injuries Force Late Changes to India Squad

The first major blow came in the form of Washington Sundar’s injury during the opening ODI against New Zealand on January 11 at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara. The spin-bowling all-rounder reported an acute onset of discomfort in his lower rib area while bowling. Subsequent scans, followed by an in-person consultation with a medical specialist, confirmed that Sundar had suffered a side strain.

The BCCI, in an official statement, revealed that Sundar has been advised to rest for a few days before reporting to the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) for further assessment and rehabilitation. As a result, he has been ruled out of the entire IDFC First Bank T20I series against New Zealand. Prior to this, Sundar had already been replaced by Ayush Badoni for the ongoing ODI series.

Soon after, another setback emerged when middle-order batter Tilak Varma was ruled out of the first three T20Is. Tilak recently underwent surgery for an abdominal issue in Rajkot on January 7. The BCCI confirmed that he was discharged from hospital on Thursday morning, was stable, and progressing well. He is scheduled to fly back to Hyderabad and will undergo a phased return-to-training and skill assessment before his availability for the final two T20Is is reviewed.

With both Sundar and Tilak part of India’s broader T20 World Cup plans, the selectors were compelled to act swiftly.

Shreyas Iyer Returns to T20I Fold After Long Absence

To cover for Tilak Varma’s absence in the first three matches, the Men’s Selection Committee has added Shreyas Iyer to the squad. Iyer’s inclusion marks his return to India’s T20I setup for the first time since December 2023, when he last featured against Australia in Bengaluru.

Since then, Iyer had drifted out of India’s T20 plans and did not play any T20 cricket after the IPL final last year. He also missed the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy while recovering from a spleen injury. However, his return to domestic cricket in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Mumbai, followed by his involvement in the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand, demonstrated that he is fully fit and back in competitive rhythm.

Statistically, Iyer brings considerable experience to the T20I setup. He has played 51 T20 internationals, batting in 47 innings and scoring 1,104 runs at an average of 30.67. His strike rate stands at 136.13, with a highest score of 90 and eight half-centuries to his name.

What has strengthened his case further is his sensational IPL 2025 campaign with Punjab Kings. Iyer featured in 17 matches, amassing 604 runs at an average of 50.33 and an explosive strike rate of 175.07. He struck six half-centuries and captained Punjab Kings to their first IPL final since 2014, reaffirming his credentials as a dependable middle-order batter capable of handling pressure.

Given that Tilak Varma’s availability for the latter half of the series remains uncertain, Iyer’s selection is widely viewed as the BCCI keeping its options open ahead of the T20 World Cup, particularly in the middle-order department.

Ravi Bishnoi Replaces Washington Sundar

While Iyer’s inclusion addresses India’s batting concerns, Ravi Bishnoi has been named as Washington Sundar’s replacement for the entire T20I series. The leg-spinner brings a different skill set to the squad, offering wicket-taking ability through the middle overs.

Bishnoi last played a T20I nearly a year ago, featuring against England in Mumbai. His overall T20I record is impressive: 42 matches, 61 wickets, and best figures of 4 for 13. He boasts a strike rate of 15.8 and maintains an economy rate of 7.35, making him a reliable attacking option in the shortest format.

At the domestic level, Bishnoi has remained active. He featured in both the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy. During the Syed Mushtaq Ali campaign, he picked up nine wickets in seven matches, albeit at an economy rate of 8.72. His consistent presence in domestic cricket ensured he stayed match-ready, which likely influenced the selectors’ decision.

With Washington Sundar sidelined and the T20 World Cup approaching rapidly, Bishnoi’s inclusion adds depth to India’s spin attack and provides the team management with valuable tactical flexibility.

Schedule and Venues for the Five-Match Series

The India–New Zealand T20I series will be played across five venues, starting January 21 and concluding on January 31. The fixtures are scheduled as follows:

The opening match will be held in Nagpur on January 21, followed by the second T20I in Raipur on January 23. The teams will then travel to Guwahati for the third match on January 25, before moving to Visakhapatnam on January 28. The series will conclude in Thiruvananthapuram on January 31.

For India, these matches represent the final opportunity to fine-tune combinations, test player fitness, and settle on a balanced XI ahead of the World Cup.

Bigger World Cup Implications

What adds further intrigue to these squad changes is the timing. Both Washington Sundar and Tilak Varma are part of India’s T20 World Cup squad, and their injuries have raised questions about fitness management and backup plans.

The BCCI has been clear that Tilak’s availability for the final two T20Is will depend entirely on his progress during rehabilitation. Similarly, Sundar’s recovery will be monitored closely at the Centre of Excellence, with no immediate return timeline announced.

In this context, Shreyas Iyer’s re-entry into the T20I setup could prove significant. As a proven international performer with recent IPL success, he presents a ready-made alternative should Tilak fail to regain full fitness in time for the World Cup.

India’s Updated T20I Squad

India’s revised squad for the New Zealand T20I series features a blend of experience and emerging talent, led by Suryakumar Yadav. Axar Patel has been named vice-captain, while the team retains a strong pace and spin bowling unit.

The squad includes Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Shreyas Iyer for the first three T20Is, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vice-captain), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), and Ravi Bishnoi.

Final Thoughts

With the T20 World Cup just weeks away, every match, every selection, and every performance will be closely scrutinised. The inclusion of Shreyas Iyer and Ravi Bishnoi not only addresses immediate injury concerns but also signals the selectors’ readiness to adapt as circumstances evolve.

As India gear up for their final rehearsal before the global tournament, the upcoming New Zealand series promises to offer crucial insights into squad balance, player form, and leadership dynamics under Suryakumar Yadav. For Iyer and Bishnoi, it is a chance to cement their places—and perhaps play a decisive role in India’s World Cup journey.

With inputs from agencies

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