Shreyas Iyer to stay back as Tilak ruled out of NZ T20Is

Shreyas Iyer, initially a temporary selection for the ongoing T20 series against New Zealand due to Tilak Varma's unavailability, has been retained for the remainder of the series. He will travel to Visakhapatnam and Thiruvananthapuram for the final two matches.

Iyer was originally named as Tilak's replacement for only the first three games. His continued presence with the squad suggested Tilak would miss the entire series, which the BCCI later confirmed.

The BCCI stated: "Tilak Varma has resumed physical training and is making steady progress with his rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. However, he will require additional time to regain full match fitness and will not be available for the final two T20Is. Tilak will link up with the squad in Mumbai once he has regained full match fitness on 3rd February, ahead of India's warm-up match for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026." A source indicated he is a "sure bet" to be available for the World Cup.

Iyer, the ODI vice-captain, has not yet featured in the playing XI this series and has not played a T20I since December 2023.

Meanwhile, Washington Sundar's availability for the T20 World Cup remains uncertain. He was ruled out of the T20Is after reporting discomfort in his lower rib area while bowling in Vadodara on January 11.

The BCCI announced: "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 for further management of his injury." Ravi Bishnoi was named as his replacement. Sources suggest Sundar could potentially join the World Cup squad late, pending his fitness report.

Bishnoi, recalled for Sunday's match in Guwahati after nearly a year out, impressed with figures of 2 for 18 in four overs. If Sundar is ruled out, selectors are likely to persist with Bishnoi for the World Cup.