Big signal for Shreyas Iyer! T20 World Cup 2026 push gets a lift

Though Tilak Varma is pain-free and is making amazing progress, the CoE clearly doesn't want to risk him to any further injury ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup. Shreyas Iyer will hence continue with the Indian team for the remainder of the NZ series.

India have struggled with some recent injury blows. Tilak Varma was among the biggest of them. After a successful South Africa series, Tilak, who captained Hyderabad in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, picked up an injury during his second match. He then underwent surgery following the injury.

Having completed his rehab, Tilak was considered to be available for India for the fourth and fifth games in the home series against New Zealand. However, as per the latest reports, the player will not be available for the series.

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Shreyas Iyer to stay with Team India for last 2 T20Is vs New Zealand

Shreyas Iyer was finally allowed to break into the T20I squad as a replacement for injured Tilak Varma. Shreyas Iyer, who was scheduled to play for India in the first three matches, did not get a game until now.

However, in a recent turn of events, where Tilak Varma's return has been delayed until the World Cup, Shreyas Iyer will continue to stay with the India team for the next two games in the series. He will now continue to be with the side.

With a prolonged stay for Shreyas Iyer, it will be seen whether the right-handed batter will be tried in the remaining two games. Ishan Kishan was picked over Iyer at no. 3 and he repaid the management for keeping faith in him.

BCCI official reveals real reason behind Tilak Varma's late return

The Times of India has revealed that Tilak is now pain-free and would need the necessary clearances from the BCCI's Centre of Excellence, as they do not want to take chances with the youngster.

"He is pain-free at the moment and making very good progress, but the CoE wants him to be completely ready before giving him the green signal for the World Cup. The initial plan was to have him on the park for the fourth T20I. He could still be available for the final game, but could well play from the preparation games in Mumbai," a BCCI official told TimesofIndia.com.

"Tilak was playing competitive cricket before he got injured, so there is no issue in that. The selectors will only proceed when they get the RTP from CoE. There will be no chances taken for any player, and that's why there is some delay in the initial timelines," added the official.

Riyan Parag seen as T20 World Cup backup by the BCCI

The team management has been concerned with Washington Sundar's availability for the upcoming World Cup, since the all-rounder's injury is too serious to push his recovery earlier.

If Sundar is unavailable, Indian selectors are looking forward to having a like-for-like replacement for the all-rounder. They have found one in the Rajasthan Royals all-rounder Riyan Parag.

Parag, however, is currently in the CoE and is recovering from a shoulder injury. His recovery has been fast-tracked by the instructions from the BCCI, as he has been asked to be available for the warm-up match ahead of the World Cup.

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