Mumbai: India has announced changes to its T20I squad for the upcoming five-match series against New Zealand, introducing Shreyas Iyer and Ravi Bishnoi as replacements for the injured Tilak Varma and Washington Sundar. The adjustments come as the team prepares for next month’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
According to International Cricket Council, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that Ravi Bishnoi and Shreyas Iyer will join the squad for the initial three T20Is. The decision follows the ruling out of Washington Sundar, who sustained a side strain during the first ODI against New Zealand, and Tilak Varma, who underwent surgery for an abdominal issue.
The updated squad for the series, which begins on Wednesday at the VCA Stadium in Jamtha, includes Suryakumar Yadav as captain, with other key players such as Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Sanju Samson. Both teams are expected to utilize this series as preparation for the T20 World Cup, set to take place in India and Sri Lanka.
India is grouped with Pakistan, Namibia, Netherlands, and USA in Group A and will start its World Cup campaign against USA on February 7. New Zealand, placed in Group D alongside Afghanistan, South Africa, Canada, and UAE, will face Afghanistan in their first World Cup match on February 8.