IND vs NZ T20I: Shreyas Iyer has been included in the Indian squad for the remaining matches after Tilak Verma was ruled out due to injury.
Shreyas Iyer’s temporary assignment just became permanent for this T20I series against the Kiwis. The BCCI announced on January 26 that he’s staying for the final two. Tilak Varma won’t be back anytime soon despite rehabbing at Bengaluru’s CoE. India’s already wrapped up the series 3-0. This makes these last games pressure-free basically.
The third T20I in Guwahati saw India demolish New Zealand by eight wickets easily. Chasing 154, India blasted 155/2 in just 10 overs by finishing things quickly. With the series sealed, the fourth and fifth matches become experimentation opportunities now. Shreyas might finally get some game time after sitting out all three wins.
Tilak’s Recovery Timeline
Tilak Varma underwent an abdominal surgical operation recently which sidelined him from this series. He is grinding on the BCCI CoE in Bengaluru working on healing. Physical training has resumed, but match fitness remains some distance away. Doctors advised more time before throwing him into competitive cricket matches.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed Tilak’s steady progress is happening, but cautioned that patience is needed. The Men’s Selection Committee recommended keeping Shreyas as a replacement through the series end. Missing the Visakhapatnam and Thiruvananthapuram matches hurts Tilak’s World Cup prep badly though. Every match missed means less rhythm heading into the mega tournament approaching fast.
February 3 marks Tilak’s scheduled return to the squad in Mumbai. India performs a T20 World Cup warm-up match there earlier than the contest starts. Sources close to Tilak call him a “positive bet” for the World Cup. His skill and latest form make him vital for India’s title defence.
Shreyas Iyer Waiting for His Chance
Shreyas Iyer hasn’t touched the field during this T20I series yet surprisingly enough. His last T20I appearance came way back in December 2023 which feels ages. The ODI vice-captain finds himself warming benches in the shortest format currently. Travelling to Vizag and Thiruvananthapuram keeps him match-ready at least for now.
The team management might give Shreyas Iyer opportunities in the remaining dead rubber matches. With nothing to lose, trying Shreyas makes sense for the team combinations tested ahead. His technique against spin could prove valuable in World Cup conditions coming up. But his T20I spot remains uncertain given the competition for middle-order slots.
Sundar’s Injury Creates Complications
Washington Sundar’s rib injury during the Vadodara ODI threw another wrench into plans. He reported discomfort while bowling on January 11 in the first ODI. Scans revealed a side strain requiring rest and rehabilitation mandated by doctors immediately. The BCCI Centre of Excellence is monitoring his recovery closely with regular updates.
Ravi Bishnoi replaced Sundar for these T20Is and grabbed his chance brilliantly on Sunday. His comeback after nearly a year saw him grab 2/18 in four overs. That performance in Guwahati impressed selectors watching his every delivery bowled carefully. If Sundar stays unavailable, Bishnoi likely keeps the World Cup spot earned.
Uncertainty clouds Sundar’s World Cup availability depending on fitness reports coming from Bengaluru. Sources suggest he might join the squad late if recovery goes well. But the team can’t wait forever, with the tournament starting soon and inevitably approaching. Bishnoi’s form gives selectors a solid backup option available immediately if needed.
India’s injury concerns before a World Cup always create nervous energy among fans. But the bench strength looks capable of stepping up when required fortunately. Shreyas staying on, Tilak healing well and Bishnoi doing well ease a few issues.
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