Tilak Varma replacement: Shreyas Iyer all set to make a T20I comeback in IND vs NZ T20Is

In what has been the latest development, as per the various media reports, it is learned that Shreyas Iyer is all set to make a comeback in the Indian T20I side. The ODI vice-captain is all set to replace Tilak Varma in the team for the IND vs NZ T20I series. 

In a major blow for the Indian Cricket Team, Tilak Varma had to undergo emergency surgery after he complained of acute testicular pain. This came after he played in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 for Hyderabad in Rajkot. 

Tilak Varma was referred to the hospital for the scans and was diagnosed with Testicular Torsion, the reports of which were sent to BCCI. The medical team of the governing body advised him to undergo surgery, which happened with immediate effect. 

Tilak Varma’s injury underwent successfully and it is reported that he will be out of action for around 3-4 weeks. This makes him out for the IND vs NZ series and doubtful for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

Shreyas Iyer likely to replace Tilak Varma in the IND vs NZ series

Although, there is no official confirmation, several reports have suggested that Shreyas Iyer is all set to make a comeback as he has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Tilak. The batter recently made a comeback in the VHT 2025-26 after a spleen injury. 

Shreyas Iyer hit 82 runs on his comeback and with him having a sensational IPL for Punjab Kings, he surely will be one of the best choices to replace Tilak Varma in the side. Notably, Iyer last represented the team in the shortest format of the game in December 2023.

The first T20I against New Zealand is set to be played on January 21 in Nagpur. The IND vs NZ series will be extremely important for India as the T20 World Cup 2026 will be played right after that from February 7.