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Key Takeaways
- 1📊 Series schedule: Jan 21 Nagpur, 23 Raipur, 25 Guwahati, 28 Vizag, 31 Trivandrum
- 2🏆 Iyer returns post-2023; Bishnoi bolsters spin attack
- 3💡 Sundar sidelined by rib strain from Jan 11 ODI
- 4🔮 India eyes strong start in T20 WC Group A from Feb 7
"They have replaced the injured Tilak Varma and Washington Sundar"
Shreyas Iyer and Ravi Bishnoi earn call-ups to India's T20I squad for the five-match series against New Zealand, stepping in for injured stars Tilak Varma and Washington Sundar. As the Men in Blue gear up for the T20 World Cup 2026 next month, these moves inject fresh energy into the lineup.
Washington Sundar's woes began in the first ODI on January 11 at Vadodara, where lower rib discomfort forced him off while bowling. Expert consultations confirmed a side strain, ruling him out. Tilak Varma joins him on the sidelines, prompting swift BCCI action. Iyer, limited to the opening three T20Is, brings his explosive batting last seen in T20Is back in 2023.
Perfect World Cup Warm-Up
Kicking off January 21 at Nagpur's VCA Stadium, the series hits Raipur, Guwahati, Vizag, and ends January 31 in Thiruvananthapuram. It's the ultimate test run before India's Group A opener against USA on February 7, with Pakistan rivalry heating up. Bishnoi's googly magic could unsettle New Zealand's middle order, echoing his IPL dominance.
Indian fans know the drill—these T20Is are gold for fine-tuning combos on home soil. With Shubman Gill leading, expect a blend of youth and experience to shine before the big WC dance.
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