Have Iyer and Bishnoi Joined India's T20I Squad for the Series Against NZ?
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Synopsis
The Indian cricket squad has made significant updates ahead of their T20I series against New Zealand. Shreyas Iyer and Ravi Bishnoi are set to join the team, while Washington Sundar is sidelined due to a side strain. This series is crucial as it leads into India's T20 World Cup title defense. Stay tuned for all the latest updates.
Key Takeaways
- Shreyas Iyer and Ravi Bishnoi added to the T20I squad.
- Washington Sundar ruled out due to injury.
- Series starts on January 21 in Nagpur.
- Final international series before Men's T20 World Cup.
- Matches will also take place in Raipur, Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, and Thiruvananthapuram.
New Delhi, Jan 16 (NationPress) The Indian cricket team has officially included right-handed batsman Shreyas Iyer and leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi in their T20I lineup for the upcoming five-match series against New Zealand, as announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Friday.
This five-match series, commencing in Nagpur on January 21, marks India’s final international engagement before they embark on their title defense in the Men’s T20 World Cup, set to start on February 7.
Bishnoi steps in as a replacement for the injured off-spin all-rounder Washington Sundar, while Iyer will participate in the initial three matches due to Tilak Varma's recovery from a lower abdomen surgery.
“Washington Sundar underwent scans after experiencing 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 with a specialist and was diagnosed with a side strain, necessitating rest for several days. Afterward, he will report to the BCCI Centre of Excellence for further treatment,” stated BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia.
Bishnoi's last appearance for India was in a T20I match against England in Mumbai in February 2025. Over 42 T20Is, he has taken 61 wickets with an economy rate of 7.35. Iyer, on the other hand, last played a T20I for India against Australia in Bengaluru in December 2023, accumulating 1104 runs in 51 T20Is at an average of 30.66 and a strike rate of 136.12, including eight fifties. Following the opening game in Nagpur, the remaining T20I matches will be held in Raipur, Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, and Thiruvananthapuram.
India’s revised T20I squad includes: 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), and Ravi Bishnoi.
Point of View
It's vital to recognize the significance of these player updates. The inclusion of Shreyas Iyer and Ravi Bishnoi not only showcases India's depth in talent but also reflects their strategic planning as they approach the T20 World Cup. The team is undoubtedly preparing with great diligence, and such changes underline their commitment to excellence on the international stage.
NationPress
19/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the new players added to the Indian T20I squad?
Shreyas Iyer and Ravi Bishnoi have been added to the squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand.
Why is Washington Sundar not playing?
Washington Sundar has been ruled out due to a side strain he sustained during the first ODI against New Zealand.
When does the T20I series against New Zealand start?
The T20I series begins on January 21 in Nagpur.
What is the significance of this series?
This series is critical as it is India's final preparation before the Men's T20 World Cup starting on February 7.
Where will the remaining T20I matches be held?
The remaining matches will be played in Raipur, Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, and Thiruvananthapuram.
