By Harsh
January 08, 2026
Shreyas Iyer is a leading contender to replace Tilak Varma in India’s T20I squad for the New Zealand series. 🔥🏏
Tilak Varma has been ruled out of the five-match T20I series vs New Zealand after undergoing testicular torsion surgery, starting January 21.
With a minimum four-week rehab ahead, Tilak Varma’s availability for the T20 World Cup starting February 7 remains uncertain.
Back from injury and in top form after a prolific IPL 2025, Shreyas Iyer strengthens his case for a T20I return, having last played in December 2023.
The five-match India–New Zealand T20I series starts on January 21 in Nagpur, with games scheduled in Raipur, Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, and Thiruvananthapuram.
With Tilak Varma ruled out, the BCCI is set to announce a replacement shortly as Shreyas Iyer continues his preparation through domestic and ODI commitments.