Selectors Eye Alternatives for T20Is Against New Zealand Amid Fitness Concerns
Potential Replacements for Tilak Varma
As uncertainty looms over Tilak Varma's fitness ahead of India's T20I series against New Zealand, selectors are considering other options. Three seasoned players emerge as strong candidates, each bringing form, versatility, and a solid international track record to bolster India's batting order.
Shreyas Iyer's Impressive Comeback
Shreyas Iyer, the Mumbai batsman, has made a successful return to competitive cricket after recovering from a spleen injury he sustained in October 2025 during a match against Australia. He celebrated his comeback on January 6 by scoring 82 runs off 53 balls against Himachal Pradesh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, hitting 10 fours and three sixes.
Iyer is expected to participate in the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, and his form and experience also make him a strong candidate for the T20Is. Although he was not included in the Asia Cup 2025 squad, he had an impressive IPL 2025 season with Punjab Kings, accumulating 604 runs at an average of 50.33 and a strike rate of 175.07. His T20I statistics include 51 matches, 1,104 runs, and eight fifties, making him a natural choice to fill Tilak's position.
Ruturaj Gaikwad's Stellar Domestic Performance
Ruturaj Gaikwad from Maharashtra has been in outstanding form in domestic cricket. Leading his team in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, he has scored 413 runs in seven innings, averaging 82.60 with a strike rate of 115.04, which includes two centuries and one fifty.
His international performance further strengthens his case. In 23 T20Is, Gaikwad has amassed 633 runs at an average of 39.56 and a strike rate of 143.53, featuring four fifties and one century. His ability to bat effectively at both the top and middle order adds flexibility, and his career total of over 5,000 T20 runs highlights his reliability.
Rishabh Pant's Versatility and Experience
Rishabh Pant, the Test vice-captain from Delhi, is another strong candidate for the T20I squad. In the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, he has scored 212 runs in six innings, averaging 42.40 with a strike rate of 112.76, including two fifties.
Pant's aggressive batting style and adaptability make him a valuable asset, even with Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan already in the lineup. His performance at No. 3 during India's successful 2024 T20 World Cup campaign demonstrated his flexibility. With 76 T20Is and 1,209 runs under his belt, Pant's experience in high-pressure scenarios could be crucial if Tilak Varma is unable to play.