Will Shreyas Iyer Stay as Varma’s Replacement for the Last Two T20Is?
Synopsis
In a significant development for India’s T20 series against New Zealand, Shreyas Iyer will continue as Tilak Varma’s replacement for the final two matches. Varma's recovery from surgery is ongoing, and Iyer’s experience might prove invaluable as India aims to finalize their squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Key Takeaways
Shreyas Iyer continues as a replacement for Tilak Varma .
Varma is undergoing rehabilitation after surgery.
The final two T20Is are taking place in Visakhapatnam and Thiruvananthapuram .
India has already secured a 3-0 lead in the series.
The T20 World Cup begins on February 7 .
Mumbai, Jan 26 (NationPress) Shreyas Iyer, who has been temporarily included in the T20 series against New Zealand due to Tilak Varma's injury concerns, will remain with the squad for the final two matches.
He will travel with the team to Visakhapatnam and subsequently to Thiruvananthapuram for the concluding games of the five-match series.
Iyer was initially brought in as a substitute for Varma for the first three matches, but the young player will not be returning for this series. The 23-year-old underwent surgery in Rajkot earlier this month during a Vijay Hazare match and is currently rehabilitating at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. He is expected to rejoin the squad in Mumbai for the T20 World Cup, commencing on February 7, once he regains full fitness.
According to a statement from the BCCI, “India batter Tilak Varma has started physical training and is making good progress in his rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. However, he will need more time to achieve complete match fitness and won't be available for the last two T20Is of the ongoing five-match series.”
“Tilak will reconnect with the squad in Mumbai once he has regained full match fitness on February 3, ahead of India’s warm-up match for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The Men’s Selection Committee has suggested that Shreyas Iyer continues as Tilak Varma’s substitute for the remaining matches,” the statement further elaborated.
Iyer, who serves as the vice-captain in ODIs, has not yet secured a position in the playing XI for the current series, which India has clinched with a commanding 3-0 lead as of Sunday. He has not participated in a T20I since December 2023.
India’s revised T20I squad includes: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Shreyas Iyer, 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
The decision to keep Shreyas Iyer in the squad highlights India's focus on balancing experience with youth in a crucial series. While Tilak Varma's recovery is essential for the future, Iyer's presence ensures stability as India gears up for the T20 World Cup.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Shreyas Iyer replacing Tilak Varma?
Shreyas Iyer is replacing Tilak Varma due to Varma's fitness issues following surgery earlier this month.
When will Tilak Varma return to the squad?
Tilak Varma is expected to return to the squad in Mumbai on February 3, pending his recovery.
What is the significance of this T20 series?
This T20 series is crucial for India as it prepares for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
