IND vs NZ: Is replacing Tilak Varma with Shreyas Iyer a good decision?
Shreyas Iyer is back in the T20I squad for the first time since 2023.
In a significant squad update for the ongoing India vs New Zealand (IND vs NZ) series, Shreyas Iyer has been drafted into the Indian T20I team for the first three matches, replacing the injured Tilak Varma.
This move comes as India prepares to face the Kiwis in a five-match T20I series, with the first game set to kick off soon after the ODIs. Tilak Varma, the young left-handed batter, has been ruled out of the first three matches due to an abdominal injury sustained recently, forcing the selectors to look for a quick replacement.
Iyer, who last donned the Indian jersey in T20Is back in 2023, gets a much-awaited recall, marking a potential turning point in his international career.
The decision to bring back Iyer has sparked debates among fans and experts alike. After being dropped from the side despite solid performances, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) faced heavy criticism for overlooking a player of his caliber.
Iyer’s exclusion was particularly baffling given his consistent contributions. Now, his hard work seems to have paid off. This inclusion is a massive boost for the 31-year-old, offering him a platform to reclaim his spot in the shortest format.
Shreyas Iyer is finally rewarded for his hard work
Shreyas Iyer‘s recall is undoubtedly a reward for his stellar consistency in the Indian Premier League (IPL) over the past few years. In 2024, he captained the Kolkata Knight Riders to a triumphant IPL title, showcasing not just his batting prowess but also his leadership skills under pressure.
The following year, in 2025, he steered Punjab Kings to the final, falling just short of another championship. On a personal level, Iyer has been a run-scoring machine, having scored over 600 runs in the last IPL season with a strike rate that strikes a balance between aggression and control.
His ability to dominate spin and pace alike, combined with his experience in high-stakes games, makes him a valuable asset for India, especially in a format where middle-order stability is often the key to success.
Why Shreyas Iyer is an ideal fit at No. 3?
One of the strongest arguments in favor of this replacement is how Iyer’s presence could fortify India’s batting lineup. In a team stacked with explosive openers like Abhishek Sharma and finishers such as Hardik Pandya and Rinku Singh, who prioritize quick scoring and big hits, Iyer can serve as the ideal anchor at No. 3.
His classical technique helps him rotate the strike efficiently, build innings, and provide much-needed stability during difficult chases or when wickets fall early. This contrasts with Varma’s more aggressive, youth-driven approach, which, while promising, sometimes lacks the maturity Iyer brings from years of international exposure.
Additionally, Iyer’s proficiency against spin, evident in his IPL exploits, could be crucial against New Zealand’s spinners like Mitchell Santner, especially on turning tracks.
His leadership experience might also rub off on the squad, led by Suryakumar Yadav, fostering a more cohesive unit. Iyer could reduce Surya’s captaincy load, allowing the skipper to find his own batting form, which he seems to have lost.
Moreover, Iyer’s inclusion adds depth to India’s middle order, which has occasionally looked vulnerable in pressure situations. He has a proven track record in T20Is, with an average above 30 and a strike rate hovering around 140, including memorable knocks in bilateral series and the IPL.
This move could also serve as a strategic trial ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, where India needs versatile batters who can adapt to various conditions. A strong showing in these three games could force the selectors to reconsider his permanent spot, potentially reshaping the team’s core.
Why should Shreyas Iyer be given a longer rope?
However, the decision isn’t without its caveats. Iyer is slotted only for the first three T20Is, and with Varma expected to return for the last two, he might struggle to cement his place long-term. Varma represents the future of Indian cricket with his fearless strokeplay and ability to accelerate from the get-go, aligning perfectly with the modern T20 ethos.
If Iyer fails to make an immediate impact, his brief stint could reinforce doubts about his consistency in the format, especially after a two-year hiatus. Even if Iyer does make an impression, it is unlikely that Tilak Verma will find himself on the bench upon being available for selection.
Therefore, the question that the management needs to answer is whether they can create a playing eleven that includes both Iyer and Verma under Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy.
Why is Tilak Varma out of the IND vs NZ T20I squad?
Tilak Varma has been ruled out of the first three T20Is due to an abdominal injury. He is expected to return for the last two matches.
What is Shreyas Iyer’s recent IPL record justifying his recall?
Iyer captained KKR to the 2024 IPL title and led PBKS to the 2025 final, scoring over 600 runs in the last edition with a healthy strike rate.
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Aniruddh Seshadri Iyer is a passionate sports journalist at Khel Now, specializing in tennis and Olympic sports. An engineer by training, he found his storytelling passion through iconic Grand Slam and Olympic moments. Known for sharp analysis and insightful coverage, he draws inspiration from Novak Djokovic’s resilience. Outside journalism, he enjoys reading, traveling, and playing the guitar.