Why Have Iyer and Bishnoi Been Added to India's T20I Squad Against NZ?
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Synopsis
In a strategic move, India has integrated **Shreyas Iyer** and **Ravi Bishnoi** into their T20I lineup ahead of the crucial series against **New Zealand**. With **Washington Sundar** sidelined due to injury, this decision could significantly impact India’s performance as they gear up for their **T20 World Cup** title defense. Will these additions bolster India’s chances?
Key Takeaways
- Shreyas Iyer and Ravi Bishnoi have been added to the T20I squad.
- Washington Sundar is out due to a side strain.
- The series against New Zealand starts on January 21.
- India is preparing for the T20 World Cup defense.
- Matches will occur in multiple cities including Nagpur and Raipur.
New Delhi, Jan 16 (NationPress) The Indian cricket team has welcomed Shreyas Iyer, a right-handed batter, and Ravi Bishnoi, a leg-spinner, into their T20I squad for the forthcoming five-match series against New Zealand, as confirmed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Friday.
This five-match series against New Zealand, which kicks off in Nagpur on January 21, marks India’s final international engagement before they commence their defense of the Men’s T20 World Cup title starting February 7.
Bishnoi has been recruited as a substitute for the injured off-spin bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar, while Iyer will fill in for the first three matches due to Tilak Varma, who is recuperating from lower abdomen surgery.
“Washington Sundar experienced acute discomfort in his lower rib area while bowling during the first ODI against New Zealand at the BCA Stadium, Vadodara, on January 11. Following this, he consulted an expert and was diagnosed with a side strain. He has been advised to rest for a few days before reporting to the BCCI Centre of Excellence (COE) for further injury management,” stated BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia.
Bishnoi last represented India in a T20I encounter against England in Mumbai in February 2025. Across 42 T20Is, Bishnoi has taken 61 wickets at an economy rate of 7.35. In contrast, Iyer last played a T20I for India against Australia in Bengaluru in December 2023, accumulating 1104 runs at an average of 30.66 and a strike rate of 136.12 in 51 T20Is, which includes eight fifties. After the opening game in Nagpur, the remaining T20I matches will be held in Raipur, Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, and Thiruvananthapuram.
India’s revised T20I squad comprises: 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.
Point of View
It's essential to recognize the strategic adjustments made by the Indian cricket team in light of injuries. **Iyer** and **Bishnoi** bring significant experience to the squad, and their inclusion is a calculated risk by the BCCI to enhance India's performance against New Zealand. This decision reflects the nation's commitment to maintaining a competitive edge as we approach the **T20 World Cup**.
NationPress
17/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the new players added to India's T20I squad?
The new players added to India's T20I squad are **Shreyas Iyer** and **Ravi Bishnoi**.
Why was Washington Sundar ruled out?
Washington Sundar was ruled out due to a **side strain** following discomfort in his lower rib area.
When does the series against New Zealand start?
The series against New Zealand starts on **January 21** in **Nagpur**.
What is the significance of this series?
This series is significant as it is India's last international assignment before the **Men’s T20 World Cup** title defense.
Where will the remaining T20I matches be played?
The remaining T20I matches will be played in **Raipur**, **Guwahati**, **Visakhapatnam**, and **Thiruvananthapuram**.
