Tilak Varma Ruled Out, Shreyas Iyer To Play 4th and 5th NZ T20I as Replacement

Tilak Varma was entirely ruled out of the New Zealand T20I series and Shreyas Iyer was named as the replacement for the rest of the series.

In a significant update ahead of the crucial final two matches, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer will remain part of the national T20I squad as Tilak Varma’s replacement for the remainder of the IDFC First Bank five-match T20I series against New Zealand.

Tilak Varma, who underwent surgery for an abdominal issue earlier this month, has resumed physical training at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. The young left-hander is making steady progress in his rehabilitation but requires additional time to achieve full match fitness. As a result, he will miss the fourth and fifth T20Is of the ongoing series.

The young batter is expected to rejoin the Indian squad in Mumbai on February 3, once cleared for full fitness, just in time for the team’s warm-up fixture ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka starting in February.

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The Men’s Selection Committee, in consultation with the team management, has recommended that Shreyas Iyer continue in Tilak’s place. Shreyas Iyer was initially called up only for the first three matches following Tilak’s injury during domestic cricket. 

Shreyas Iyer Yet To Feature In Playing XI

The Mumbai batter Shreyas Iyer has yet to feature in the playing XI, with Ishan Kishan preferred in the middle order so far, but his retention provides valuable depth and experience.

This development offers Iyer a timely opportunity to stake a claim for a permanent T20I spot ahead of the global event. Known for his elegant strokeplay and composure under pressure, Iyer has been in fine domestic form and could add stability to India’s batting lineup.

India’s updated T20I squad for the remaining matches: 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.