India’s T20I squad has made a clear statement ahead of their series opener against New Zealand. Ishan Kishan will bat at No. 3 for India in the first T20I this Wednesday, filling in for the injured Tilak Varma. India captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed this decision, opting for Kishan over Shreyas Iyer. The move focuses on India’s preparation strategy for the T20 World Cup, which starts on February 7, 2026.
World Cup Ambitions Drive Kishan’s Selection
Speaking at the pre-match press conference in Nagpur, Suryakumar Yadav laid out the logic. Ishan Kishan was picked because he’s in the World Cup squad. “Ishan Kishan will bat at No. 3, as he deserves to play since he is part of the World Cup team,” Yadav stated. NDTV Sports reported his reasoning.
The captain explained Kishan was chosen first for the main squad. He hasn’t played for India in a while. Yadav said Kishan deserves this chance. The decision was specific to the No. 3 spot. “If the positions of No. 4 or 5 were being talked about, then it would have been different,” Yadav added. Tilak Varma’s absence opened the door. Kishan, a left-hander, replaces the left-handed Varma. This keeps the batting order balance.
Kishan’s inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad itself was a big call. He came in for Shubman Gill, citing “team combination.” Shreyas Iyer, for his part, joined the T20I squad against New Zealand as a replacement for Tilak Varma for the first three matches, a backup role. Yadav also pointed to Kishan’s recent domestic form, which he maintained despite his international absence.
Iyer’s Journey: Injuries and Missed Opportunities
This isn’t the first time Shreyas Iyer has found himself on the fringes of key selections. Iyer has faced his share of setbacks, including an “excruciatingly painful” spleen injury he sustained during an ODI against Australia. He recounted the severity of the injury, saying he didn’t grasp its gravity until admitted to the hospital. The Times of India highlighted his recovery journey.
He’s a player who likes to stay active. The injury forced him to slow down. He followed medical advice closely, returning after six to eight weeks of recovery. Despite a strong comeback, sometimes these selection calls just don’t go his way. Former India off-spinner Ravi Ashwin called similar past axings of Iyer “sad” and “unfair,” questioning selectors’ logic on his YouTube channel.
So, this latest decision, while explained by tactical reasons, adds another layer to Iyer’s international career narrative. He remains a part of the series squad, just not in the immediate playing XI at No. 3. His previous domestic performance, including leading Punjab Kings to the IPL 2025 final, often hasn’t translated into consistent national team berths.
Kishan’s Return and Strategic Flexibility
For Ishan Kishan, this match marks a significant international comeback. His last T20I was in November 2023 against Australia. His last international outing was a Test against West Indies in July 2024. Wednesday’s game will be his first T20I in over two years. The Indian Express detailed his long wait.
The 27-year-old’s selection shows confidence in his World Cup potential. He’s also a backup wicketkeeper, adding more options for the team. Suryakumar Yadav also spoke about his own batting position. He’s flexible, saying his stats are good at both No. 3 and No. 4. India has often used a right-left batting combination. Kishan, a left-hander, can mirror Tilak’s role in this flexible structure. This strategic approach values adaptability.
The five-match T20I series kicks off on January 21, 2026, in Nagpur. Subsequent matches are in Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, and Thiruvananthapuram. With the T20 World Cup 2026 co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka starting February 7, this series is a vital testing ground. The management is using these games to fine-tune combinations. This longer-term vision for the World Cup explains why Kishan gets the nod now, prioritizing his rhythm for the big tournament.
Govind Singh 
Baishali Karmakar 
Annsly Raena