IND vs NZ: Why did Shreyas Iyer miss third T20I in Guwahati?
(Courtesy : Getty Images)
Shreyas Iyer was added to the Indian squad for the first three IND vs NZ T20Is as a replacement of injured Tilak Varma.
India and New Zealand crossing swords with each other in the third match of the five-match T20I series, which is underway at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati on Sunday, January 25. It will be a virtual series-decider as the hosts eye series win in third game, while the Black Caps look to save the series.
India, captained by Suryakumar Yadav, have taken a 2-0 lead in series after their two dominating performances in the first two games in Nagpur and Raipur. In the first game, the hosts registered a 48-run to start the series on a high. Batting first, after losing the toss, the hosts piled up a massive total of 238 runs, and then restricted the opposition to 190 to win the clash by big margin.
Then in the second T20I, they had below-par bowling performance, giving away 208 runs. But, their batting was nothing short of exceptional. Ishan Kishan (76) and Suryakumar Yadav (82*) struck brutal half-centuries, registering fastest 200+ chase in T20Is.
They would be hoping to carry on the same form and win the second game. With the T20 World Cup 2026 around the corner, it offered a critical window to test combinations, evaluate form, restore confidence after recent setbacks, and lock in strategies, particularly in batting depth and middle-order stability.
IND vs NZ: Why did Shreyas Iyer miss third T20I in Guwahati?
Shreyas Iyer, who last played for India in T20Is in December 2023, was absent from the playing XI for IND vs NZ game yet again. Iyer was added as replacement of Tilak Varma in the first three T20Is after the latter suffered an abdominal injury requiring surgery during the Vijay Hazare Trophy earlier in January
It was expected that Iyer would play at least one game in the series, but ahead of the series, it was confirmed that team management will prefer Ishan Kishan, who is part of India’s T20 World Cup squad. The keeper-batter, who made a comeback to side in first T20I after 785 days, played a stellar innings in second IND vs NZ T20I, hitting 76.
This preference for Kishan, a left-handed wicketkeeper-batter, over Iyer, despite Iyer’s strong ODI form and vice-captaincy experience highlighted the management’s focus on World Cup preparations. Iyer, included only as cover for Tilak’s absence, was not deemed essential at No. 3, where a left-hander like Kishan provided better matchup flexibility and continuity with the planned squad.
IND vs NZ: India Xi for third T20I in Guwahati
Sanju Samson(w), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi
Why did Shreyas Iyer miss the third T20I against New Zealand?
Shreyas Iyer was included only as a temporary replacement for Tilak Varma and was not preferred at No. 3, as India opted to play a World Cup squad member instead.
Why is Ishan Kishan batting at No. 3 for India IND vs NZ T20Is?
Ishan Kishan is part of India’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad and earned selection through strong domestic performances, making him the preferred option in Tilak Varma’s absence.
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Ankitjit Singh is a dedicated sports journalist whose childhood dream was to play cricket—now, he serves the game through his work. With over three years of experience in reporting, writing, and editing, he brings deep insight to his coverage. A journalism graduate from Delhi University, Ankitjit’s passion for cricket took root during his college days and continues to drive his career.