Ravi Bishnoi Joins India's T20I Squad for New Zealand Series

Bishnoi Replaces Sundar in T20I Lineup

On Friday, leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi was officially included in India's T20I squad for the upcoming five-match series against New Zealand, stepping in for the injured all-rounder Washington Sundar. The series is set to commence on January 21 in Nagpur.

In addition, experienced batsman Shreyas Iyer has been called up for the first three T20Is, replacing Tilak Varma, who is sidelined due to a side strain.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced, "Washington has been ruled out of the forthcoming IDFC First Bank T20I series against New Zealand. The Men's Selection Committee has named Ravi Bishnoi as his replacement."

Bishnoi boasts an impressive record, having claimed 61 wickets in 42 T20I matches, with his most recent performance against England in February 2025.

The BCCI further explained, "Washington Sundar experienced acute discomfort in his lower rib area while bowling during the first ODI against New Zealand at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara on January 11. Following this, he underwent scans and had an in-person consultation with a specialist, leading to a diagnosis of a side strain. He has been advised to rest for a few days before reporting to the BCCI Centre of Excellence for further recovery."

India's Revised T20I Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Shreyas Iyer (first three T20Is), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (VC), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ishan Kishan (WK), Ravi Bishnoi.