India’s ODI vice-captain Shreyas Iyer has earned a recall to India’s T20I setup, with selectors including him in the squad for the upcoming home series against New Zealand. Iyer will feature in the first three matches, scheduled for January 21, 23 and 25, replacing the injured Tilak Varma. The move signals a timely opportunity for the Mumbai batter, just weeks ahead of the T20 World Cup.
The selection marks Iyer’s return to T20Is after a long gap, his last appearance coming during the 2023 home series against Australia. He was omitted from the squad just before the 2024 T20 World Cup, but since then, Iyer has staged an impressive resurgence, especially in franchise cricket. With less than a month remaining for the global tournament, selectors appear keen to keep experienced players ready as injury cover and potential reinforcements.
Iyer’s recent international outings have been mixed. He struggled in the ODI series against New Zealand, managing only 60 runs across three matches. However, the focus remains firmly on his T20 credentials, where his form has been outstanding. Leading Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL title in 2024 and guiding Punjab Kings to the final in 2025, Iyer also enjoyed a stellar individual season, scoring 604 runs at a strike rate of 175.
The competition for spots in India’s T20 lineup has intensified significantly over the past year. Since winning the 2024 T20 World Cup, India have dominated bilateral series while constantly rotating players and testing combinations. With a deep batting pool and multiple in-form contenders, every opportunity has become crucial.
Tilak Varma’s injury has now opened a narrow window for Iyer. If Tilak fails to recover in time, India will need a reliable No.3 batter for the World Cup, a role Iyer is well-equipped to handle. With Abhishek Sharma set to open and Sanju Samson likely to partner him, Iyer is expected to bat at one-down, with skipper Suryakumar Yadav following at No.4.
From a batting standpoint, Iyer offers versatility and composure. Strong against both pace and spin, he can adapt to different roles across the order and thrives under pressure. His 2025 IPL season was statistically the best of his career, featuring six half-centuries, a strike rate of 175, and consistent dominance in the middle overs.
Despite his form, breaking into the World Cup squad will not be easy. Iyer has just three matches against New Zealand to make his case and will also depend on Tilak Varma’s fitness. Still, a strong showing could put him firmly back in contention. Should he manage to force his way into the final squad, it would mark a deserved comeback for a player whose leadership, experience and middle-order stability could prove invaluable as India prepare for the global stage.
