In a noteworthy progression, BCCI has taken the liberty of altering India’s squad for the T20I series against New Zealand with a total of two changes. Washington Sundar, in particular, is absent for the series, and Tilak Varma is not participating in the first three matches.
The governing body of cricket in India has made a move by taking the latter out and bringing in Shreyas Iyer for the first three encounters while he comes back to the T20I team of India for the first time since December 3, 2023. On the other hand, Ravi Bishnoi has been signed as a substitute for Washington Sundar, who has a side strain after suffering a rib injury in the 1st ODI against New Zealand.
BCCI issued a press release in which it was stated that Sundar is recovering and will arrive at the CoE shortly. On the other hand, Ravi Bishnoi’s return to the India T20 team happens after one year.
What are the reasons behind Washington Sundar’s and Tilak Varma’s unavailability for the NZ T20Is? Washington Sundar got injured during the first ODI when he experienced discomfort in his rib region. He had scans done during the match and the report showed a side strain. Sundar consulted a doctor who prescribed him rest and will soon see him at the CoE. There were uncertainties regarding his participation in the T20 World Cup, but it looks like the star all-rounder will be available just in time for the crucial tournament.
On January 8, Thursday, India’s main batter Tilak Varma received a serious injury as he reported having abdominal pain and was taken to the hospital. The scans detected a testicular torsion and he was consequently given an emergency surgery. Hence, he will not be able to participate in the New Zealand T20Is.
Shreyas Iyer is back after a two-year hiatus
Shreyas Iyer’s last T20I match for India was on December 3, 2023. He was not a part of the plans for the 2024 T20 World Cup, but an outstanding IPL 2025, forced the selectors to look in the direction of PBKS captain.
As for those not acquainted, Shreyas made 604 runs in 17 innings in IPL 2025, with an average of 50.33. Iyer was not considered for the Australia T20Is, which resulted in a major outcry and fans demanding justice for the right-handed batter. However, a spleen injury delayed his comeback.
What was the reason behind Ravi Bishnoi’s inclusion in the team?
Ravi Bishnoi’s selection came as a shock as the right-arm spinner had not been thought of for the past year and also had a poor IPL. In IPL 2025, the 25-year-old managed to take only 9 wickets in 11 matches.
Nevertheless, Bishnoi enjoyed a remarkable domestic season, taking 28 wickets in 18 innings across tournaments. Hence, the selectors considered him fit to take Washington Sundar’s place. Notably, Bishnoi has scored 134 runs in six innings in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy.
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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