Can Shreyas Iyer be the perfect replacement for Tilak Varma in the India vs. New Zealand T20I series? The question has been raised in defense of strengthening the Indian T20I squad following Tilak Varma’s injury during the Vijay Hazare Trophy. The left-handed middle-order batter sustained an abdominal injury, forcing him to miss the first three matches of the five-match T20I series against New Zealand ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Although recent reports indicate Tilak Varma was discharged from the hospital today and requires 1-2 weeks for recovery, the Indian middle-order sensation recently provided an update on his progress and thanked fans for their support during this tough time.
Aakash Chopra picks Shreyas Iyer as Tilak Varma’s No. 4 replacement
Following Aakash Chopra‘s video on X regarding Tilak Varma’s replacement options ahead of the India vs. New Zealand T20I series, the former Indian cricketer picked Shreyas Iyer to step in for Tilak. This comes after Iyer’s recent comeback in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Mumbai as stand-in captain.
Iyer has featured in 51 T20Is, scoring 1,104 runs at a strike rate of 136.12. Most of his runs have come while batting at Nos. 3 and 4, with 530 and 263 runs respectively.
Regarding Chopra’s comment: “Who can it be? Shreyas Iyer. ‘Sarpanch’ sahab should be picked automatically. He is already playing well and scored in the Vijay Hazare Trophy too. Even when Iyer was not picked in the Asia Cup, it felt slightly unfair, but it was understandable. But there is an opportunity for a middle-order role here. He is also an experienced player and set the IPL on fire. He fits the bill, and Shreyas Iyer gets my vote,” Chopra said on his X account.
Parag, Gaikwad in the race for IND vs NZ T20Is Series
Considering Shreyas Iyer’s commitment to the Vijay Hazare Trophy campaign, which ends on January 17, 2026, selectors could approach Riyan Parag and Ruturaj Gaikwad as replacements for Tilak Varma.
Talking about Parag, the Assam-born batsman has played 9 T20Is, batting in 6 innings and scoring 106 runs at a strike rate of 151.42. He can bat at No. 4. On the other hand, Ruturaj Gaikwad is considered an experienced batter, with 633 runs in T20Is at a strike rate of 143.53. He also provides batting depth when opening for India.
READ MORE: Why BCCI Appointed Axar Patel as Vice-Captain Over Hardik Pandya for T20 World Cup 2026?
Although the right-handed batsman was not included in the initial India squad for New Zealand, selectors might consider him based on his performances in this Vijay Hazare season. Gaikwad has been in stunning form, amassing 5,000 List A runs at an average of 58.8. Now it’s up to the selectors: Does he deserve Tilak’s spot, or will they make a shocking inclusion in the T20I squad?
