In a colossal development, the India National Cricket Team T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav has named the wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan as the new No.3 batter for the upcoming series against the New Zealand National Cricket Team.
The T20I series opener between the India National Cricket Team and the New Zealand National Cricket Team will be played at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Jamtha, Nagpur on Wednesday, January 21.
Ishan Kishan will play at No. 3 – Suryakumar Yadav
The star wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan got a shock recall for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after the selection committee decided to move on from Shubman Gill as the opener.
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Gill’s exit led to a cascading effect as Jitesh Sharma was also thrown out of the T20I squad and in their place, Ishan Kishan and Rinku Singh were brought back for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
India recently suffered a massive blow when Tilak Varma underwent a minor surgery and the BCCI selection committee roped in Shreyas Iyer for the first three matches of the five-match series against the Kiwis.
Many expected Iyer to be part of the starting playing XI in place of Tilak Varma, who has mostly batted at No.3 in T20Is, but that won’t be the case as Ishan Kishan has been chosen for the role.
“Ishan will play at No. 3. He is part of the World Cup squad and deserves to play,” the Indian skipper Suryakumar said at the press conference.
Also Read: Tilak Varma hijacks Shreyas Iyer’s T20 World Cup dream after miraculous post-surgery recovery
Obviously we will miss Tilak and Washi – Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav further admitted that the absence of Tilak Varma and Washington Sundar will be felt during the series against the BlackCaps.
However, he also acknowledged that the injuries are part and parcel of a sportsperson’s career and the players getting opportunities in injured cricketers’ place would look to deliver their best.
“Obviously we will miss Tilak and Washi. But injuries are part of a sportsperson’s career. It would be an opportunity for someone else who will play,” the Indian skipper further said.
I don’t think I need to change the way that has given me success – Suryakumar Yadav
One of the biggest problems for India going into the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be the horrible form of the skipper Suryakumar Yadav.
Suryakumar Yadav has been going through a lean patch for a long period of time and he just hasn’t been able to fire. Talking about his poor form, Suryakumar stated that he won’t change his playing style.
“I don’t think I need to change the way that has given me success over the last three-four years. As you said, I have been batting really well at the nets. In terms of scoring runs, I will stick to my methods. If that gives me runs, great. Else, I’ll go back to the drawing board.”
