BCCI announces THIS star player as Tilak Varma’s replacement, set for comeback ahead of T20 World Cup 2026, name is…

New Delhi: The BCCI has announced two major additions to India’s T20I squad for the upcoming five-match series against New Zealand, which is scheduled to begins on January 21. This series will be the final bilateral assignment for Suryakumar Yadav-led India before the T20 World Cup 2026, which is set to start on February 7.

Meanwhile, Washington Sundar was ruled out after experiencing acute discomfort in his lower rib area during the first ODI against New Zealand in Vadodara on January 11. Following scans reports, Sundar was diagnosed with a side strain. He has been advised to rest for a few days before reporting to the BCCI Centre of Excellence (COE) for further treatment and rehabilitation.

The selection committee has added Shreyas Iyer to the Indian squad for the first three T20Is as a replacement for the injured Tilak Varma, while Ravi Bishnoi has been called as Washington Sundar’s injury replacement.

Wshington Sundar’s injury update

Tilak Varma is likely to miss first three matches of the series, while Washington Sundar has been ruled out of all five games after scans confirmed a side strain. The all-rounder has been advised to take rest for a few days

“Washington Sundar underwent scans after reporting an acute onset discomfort in his lower rib area while bowling during the first ODI against New Zealand at the BCA Stadium, Vadodara, on 11 January. This was followed by an in-person consultation with an expert,” BCCI.

“He has been diagnosed with a side strain and has been advised rest for a few days, following which he will report to the BCCI Centre of Excellence (COE) for further management of his injury. The all-rounder has been ruled out of the upcoming IDFC First Bank T20I series against New Zealand,” the statement further said

When did Iyer and Bishnoi last play a T20I ?

Shreyas has is set to make his T20I comeback after 2 years. He last featured in a match against Australia in 2023. He comes back after a stellar IPL 2025 campaign, where he scored a total of 604 runs at a strike rate of 175.07 and leading Punjab Kings to the final.

Meanwhile, Bishnoi last represented India in a T20I in January 2025 during the home series against England. The leg-spinner has represented India in 42 T20Is so far, claiming 61 wickets.

India’s updated T20I squad for New Zealand series: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Shreyas Iyer (first three T20Is), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (VC), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ishan Kishan (WK), Ravi Bishnoi