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Shreyas Iyer returns, surprise name added as BCCI makes 2 changes in India squad for NZ T20Is

Abhinav Tyagi

Shreyas Iyer returns - (Source: AFP)Shreyas Iyer returns - (Source: AFP)

In a significant development, the BCCI has made two changes to India's 15 member squad for T20I series against New Zealand starting from January 21. Notably, Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the entire series, while Tilak Varma will miss the first three games.

The apex cricket board of India have replaced Tilak with Shreyas Iyer for the first three matches, who marks his return to India's T20I set-up for the first time since December 3, 2023. Meanwhile, Ravi Bishnoi has been roped in as a replacement for Washington Sundar, who has a side strain following a rib injury sustained during 1st ODI against New Zealand.

BCCI released a press statement, mentioning that Sundar is on the path to recovery and will check in at the CoE in a few days. Meanwhile, Ravi Bishnoi marks his return to team India in T20Is after a year.

Why will Washington Sundar and Tilak Varma miss NZ T20Is?

Washington Sundar suffered an injury in the first ODI when he felt discomfort in his rib area. He underwent scans mid-match and the report revealed a side strain. Sundar met a doctor, who advised him rest and will soon check in at the CoE. There were doubts over his participation in T20 World Cup, but it seems that the star all-rounder will be fit in time for the all-imortant tournament.

On Thursday, January 8, India’s star batter Tilak Varma dealt a heavy blow as he complained of abdominal pain and was rushed to the hospital. The scans confirmed a testicular torsion, following which he underwent an emergency surgery. Therefore, he will miss the New Zealand T20Is.


Shreyas Iyer returns after two years

Shreyas Iyer's last T20I for India was back on December 3, 2023. He was not in scheme of things for 2024 T20 World Cup, but an impressive IPL 2025, forced the selectors to turn their eye towards PBKS skipper.

For the unversed, Shreyas scored 604 runs in 17 innings in IPL 2025, averaging 50.33. Iyer was ignored for the Australia T20Is, which caused a huge uproar and fans demanding justice for the right-handed batter. However, a spleen injury pushed his return. 

Why did Ravi Bishnoi get a place in the team?

Ravi Bishnoi's inclusion was a surprising one because the right-arm spinner was not in scheme of things for the past one year and had a poor IPL as well. Talking about his performance in IPL 2025, the 25-year-old picked up just 9 wickets in 11 innings.

However, Bishnoi had a great domestic season, where he picked up 28 wickets 18 innings across tournaments. Therefore, the selectors deemed him fit to replace Washington Sundar. Interestingly, Bishnoi has amassed 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