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Standby option or personal visit: Why is Shreyas there before Pakistan showdown? Is it a hint of change?

Shreyas Iyer’s sudden Colombo arrival before India vs Pakistan clash has triggered speculation despite not being in the squad.

By NES Web Desk

Feb 14, 2026 16:57 IST

With the blockbuster India vs Pakistan match at the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 scheduled for February 15, fresh speculation has emerged around the Indian camp. Star batter Shreyas Iyer was recently spotted in Colombo, triggering widespread discussion among fans.

Iyer was seen at Bandaranaike International Airport, with photos and videos quickly going viral on social media. Interestingly, he arrived in Sri Lanka even before the Indian squad, adding to the intrigue ahead of the high-voltage encounter.

Not part of the squad, yet present in Sri Lanka

Iyer is not included in India’s official squad for the ongoing tournament, which makes his sudden arrival all the more surprising. The timing is significant, especially with uncertainty surrounding young opener Abhishek Sharma’s availability for the Pakistan clash.

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Naturally, fans have begun to speculate whether Iyer could be joining the team as a standby option or in a support role. However, there has been no official confirmation from the team management so far.

Absence from Punjab Kings camp adds to questions

Adding another layer to the speculation is Iyer’s absence from the Punjab Kings training camp ahead of the 2026 IPL season. The camp was held at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi from February 8 to 14 and included several key players.

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Although Iyer the captain of Punjab Kings, his decision to skip the camp and then appear in Colombo has raised eyebrows.

For now, there is no official statement clarifying the purpose of his visit. Until then, his presence in Colombo remains one of the biggest talking points ahead of the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan clash.

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