Shreyas Iyer Set for T20I Comeback Against New Zealand
Shreyas Iyer is poised for a return to India’s T20I squad after 14 months, with selectors likely to pick him for the three-match series against New Zealand starting January 27. His last T20I appearance was in the 2022 World Cup semi-final.
Reward for Consistent Performances
According to a report, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is set to reward Iyer for his strong form. He was India’s fourth-highest run-scorer in the recent ODI World Cup, amassing 530 runs with two centuries and three fifties.
He followed this with a crucial century in the challenging conditions of Cape Town, helping India level the Test series against South Africa.
The Road Back to T20Is
Iyer was notably absent from the T20I sides that played after the ODI World Cup, as the team management experimented with younger players like Tilak Varma and Rinku Singh for the 2024 T20 World Cup.
With the next T20 World Cup in 2026, selectors are now looking to reintegrate experienced players. The New Zealand series is seen as an ideal opportunity to test Iyer in the shortest format following his 50-over success.
Competition for a Spot in the XI
Breaking into the playing XI immediately may be a challenge. Captain Suryakumar Yadav returns from injury, and the top order is likely to feature Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad, with senior stars likely rested.
The middle-order battle:
- Rinku Singh has solidified the finisher’s role.
- Jitesh Sharma is the front-runner for wicketkeeper-batter.
- Tilak Varma could be the one to make way if Iyer is included.
The T20I series begins on January 27 in Thiruvananthapuram, with subsequent matches in Lucknow and Ahmedabad.
