The injury worries for the Indian team have deepened as Washington Sundar and Tilak Varma are all set to miss the New Zealand T20I series amid that regard, Shreyas Iyer and Ravi Bishnoi have joined the team as replacements. Over the last two years, Washington Sundar and Tilak Varma have secured their place in the team. Tilak Varma became one of the best batsmen for Team India and Washington Sundar has provided clutch with his all-around performance.
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Ravi Bishnoi came in place of Washington Sundar
Ahead of the World Cup, the injury worries have deepened the concerns for the Indian team. Instead of going for a like for like replacement the management has opted to go for Ravi Bishnoi who was facing the cuts from the squad for a long time, was one of the most important players in the world cup winning campaign in 2024, and also became ICC number 1 ranking bowler in T20Is in 2023, but Varun Chakravarthy’ mystery faded Ravi Bishnoi’s googly. Now he will be seen in Indian colours after one year. He last played for the Indian Team against England in February 2025. Though, the leggie might have to sit on the bench for the series until and unless the management chooses to go for experiments. The Rajasthan Royals bowler will add a leg spin option to the team. He took 61 wickets in 42 matches.
Shreyas Iyer replaces Tilak Varma
Shreyas Iyer, one of the best batsmen against the white ball, is all set to make a comeback in the T20I team again. Despite having great T20I and consecutive IPL outings he is facing the cut from the T20I side from 2023. His wide ability to play across the wickets and turning the spinner’s power will add similar value as Tilak provides.
Varma who became one of the best T20I batsmen in the last year will surely be missed but whether Shreyas Iyer will make his way in the team will be interesting to see as Ishan Kishan is also in the squad who is coming after a great run in the domestic circuit.
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Shreyas Iyer has played 51 T20I matches and scored 1102 runs with a strike rate of 136.12 and also holds an average of 30.66.
Maybe they are not the like-for-like replacement and also have not played too many T20I matches in the last year but their experience will add immense value and will only strengthen the team.
