Shreyas Iyerreturns to IndiaThe T20I squad for the first three matches against New Zealand is a calculated move to provide a high-quality reserve for the upcoming game. T20 World Cup 2026. After being seriously injured Tilak VarmaIyer, who recently underwent surgery, was recalled to the T20I fold for the first time since December 2023.
While India have already announced their provisional 15-man World Cup squad on December 20, the ICC deadline for final changes is January 31, 2026. Iyer, currently ruled out of that final 15, has a golden window during this New Zealand series to prove himself as a superior option if Varma doesn’t recover in time. With the World Cup starting in February, spin-friendly roads India and Sri LankaIyer’s inclusion ensures that India do not remain vulnerable in the middle order.
3 reasons why Shreyas Iyer’s selection for IND vs NZ T20I series was the right move
1. Dominant IPL 2025 form and high octane batting rate
Iyer is not just returning to his reputation; will be the best of his career in the IPL 2025 season where he is the captain. Kings of the Punjab to the final. Iyer silenced critics who questioned his scoring rate in the shortest format by amassing 604 runs in 17 innings at a phenomenal average of 50.33. Most notably, his strike rate rose to 175.07, a significant jump from his career T20I strike rate of 136.13. During the season, he hit 39 sixes and went on to score six half-centuries, including a clinical 97*. Gujarat Titans. Aggressive from the first ball, this version of Iyer is what India need to maintain momentum in the middle overs, especially if they lose early wickets.
2. Best spin-basher for subcontinental conditions
One of the main reasons behind Iyer’s recall is his unique ability to excel in the middle spin, a phase where India often stagnates. During IPL 2025, Iyer’s numbers against spin were elite: he scored 171 runs against slow bowlers at an average of 58.70 and a strike rate of 145.5.
In comparison, Tilak struggled a bit in this department in the same season, with a spin rate of 121.84. By deploying experienced campaigners such as New Zealand Mitchell Santner and Job SodhiIyer’s ability to dance the track and clear the ropes makes him a tactical must. His final form ICC Champions Trophy 2025Being India’s top scorer with 243 runs (Avg: 48.60) further proves that he is in the zone to handle international pressure.
3. Life insurance before 31st January for T20 World Cup 2026
With Tilak Varma ruled out of the T20I series for the first three honors after surgery and his participation in the World Cup in doubt, the series against New Zealand serves as Iyer’s final ‘audition’. Suryakumar Yadav not in the best shape either. Varma has been a sensation in T20Is, averaging 49.29, but with the World Cup weeks away, his inconsistency is a major concern.
By picking Iyer for the first three T20Is (January 21, 23 and 25), the selectors are giving him a platform to demonstrate that he can fill the void. If Iyer repeats his IPL heroics, the team management has until January 31 to replace him in the final World Cup squad. His 51 T20I experience and leadership pedigree (leading KKR to the title in 2024 and PBKS to the final in 2025) make him the most reliable ‘Plan B’ India could ask for.
