Ahead of New Zealand series, India is set to play their first T20I match on 21st January 2026 Wednesday. During pre conference of the series Indian Captain Suryakumar Yadav mentions that Ishan Kishan is set to bat at number 03, not Shreyas Iyer who replaces Tilak Varma in Indian Squad
Suryakumar Yadav made the announcement during Tuesday’s press conference ahead of Wednesday’s opener at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, with Tilak Varma out injured for the first three games. Ishan Kishan steps ahead of Shreyas Iyer in a push for middle-order stability as India shakes off New Zealand’s recent ODI series win—the Kiwis’ first ever on Indian soil.
“He deserves to play ahead of Iyer as he’s already part of the World Cup squad.” says Indian Skipper Suryakumar Yadav.
If Ishan Kishan is India’s new number three in first three matches, then there is good news that Tilak Varma is recovering ahead of World Cup T20I 2026.
Ishan Kishan is set to wear the India jersey after a two-year waits
Under new coach Gautam Gambhir, the side eyes its final tune-up before the 2026 T20 World Cup, with nets buzzing from sharp drills and banter like Gambhir prodding Hardik Pandya on his aim.
