IND vs NZ: Shreyas Iyer added to India squad for New Zealand T20Is, Ravi Bishnoi replaces 'injured' Washington Sundar
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Shreyas Iyer has replaced Tilak Varma in the Indian squad for the first three IND vs NZ T20Is, while Ravi Bishnoi will play instead of Washington Sundar.
The hard work has finally paid off for Shreyas Iyer as the Indian Cricket Team ODI vice-captain has been added to the squad for the first three T20Is against New Zealand. The right-handed batter has been named as the replacement for the injured Tilak Varma for the first three games.
Varma was ruled out of the first three IND vs NZ series after he faced abdominal injury. This comes as a massive boost for Shreyas Iyer as he last played for India in the format in 2023. After that, he was dropped from the side despite performing well, and this saw the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) facing a lot of criticism for not picking a player of his calibre.
Shreyas Iyer in the last two years has been nothing short of exceptional in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he led Kolkata Knight Riders to a title win in 2024 and took Punjab Kings (PBKS) to the final in 2025. On the batting front, he slammed over 600 runs in the last edition of the league.
The first three IND vs NZ T20Is will be a great opportunity for Shreyas Iyer to make a massive impact and get into the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 squad. With teams still having time to make changes to the squad, a solid performance can force team management add him to the team.
Washington Sundar ruled out of the IND vs NZ T20I series
While, Shreyas Iyer getting added to the T20I squad is a big boost, India have also suffered a big blow. Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the IND vs NZ T20I series with a rib injury, which he sustained in the opening ODI of the series against New Zealand.
In his place, BCCI has added Ravi Bishnoi to the side. The leg-spinner also would want to make the most of the opportunity and make his case strong for the T20 World Cup 2026.
Releasing an official statement, BCCI said:
“Washington Sundar underwent scans after reporting an acute onset of discomfort in his lower rib area while bowling during the first ODI against New Zealand at the BCA Stadium, Vadodara, on 11 January. This was followed by an in-person consultation with an expert. He has been diagnosed with a side strain and has been advised rest for a few days, following which he will report to the BCCI Centre of Excellence (COE) for further management of his injury.
“The all-rounder has been ruled out of the upcoming IDFC First Bank T20I series against New Zealand. The Men’s Selection Committee has named Ravi Bishnoi as his replacement. The Men’s Selection Committee has also added Shreyas Iyer to the T20I squad for the first three matches as a replacement for the injured Tilak Varma.”
India’s updated squad for the T20I series against 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
Who has replaced Washington Sundar in the Indian squad for the T20Is against New Zealand?
Ravi Bishnoi has replaced Washington Sundar in the Indian squad for the T20Is against New Zealand.
When did Shreyas Iyer last play for India in T20Is?
Shreyas Iyer last played for India in T20Is in 2023.
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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.