### Shreyas Iyer and Ravi Bishnoi Join India's T20I Squad Amid Injury Concerns India's cricket team is undergoing significant changes ahead of the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand, set to begin on January 21, 2026. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the inclusion of Shreyas Iyer and Ravi Bishnoi in the squad as replacements for injured players Washington Sundar and Tilak Varma. Sundar has been ruled out due to a side strain, while Varma will miss the first three matches of the series due to a similar injury. This reshuffling comes as the team prepares for a crucial series that could impact their strategy leading into the T20 World Cup later this year. ### Key Changes and Implications for the Team 1. **Injury Replacements**: - Shreyas Iyer has been added to the squad for the first three T20Is, replacing Tilak Varma, who is sidelined with a side strain [https://www.mid-day.com/sports/cricket/article/selection-shake-up-shreyas-bishnoi-enter-new-zealand-t20-series-23612395]. - Ravi Bishnoi steps in for Washington Sundar, who is out for the entire series due to a rib injury sustained during the ODI series [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/sports-games/3772522-washington-sundar-sidelined-indias-cricket-team-faces-challenges-ahead-of-world-cup]. 2. **Team Strategy Adjustments**: - The inclusion of Iyer and Bishnoi is seen as a strategic move to bolster the squad's depth, especially with the T20 World Cup approaching [https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/ind-vs-nz-2026-washington-sundar-ruled-out-of-t20i-series-ravi-bishnoi-and-shreyas-iyer-named-as-replacements]. - Iyer's experience and Bishnoi's leg-spin capabilities are expected to provide the team with a competitive edge against New Zealand [https://www.livemint.com/sports/shreyas-iyer-ravi-bishnoi-join-india-s-t20i-squad-as-washington-sundar-ruled-out-vs-new-zealand-ind-vs-nz-11768578182168.html]. 3. **Upcoming Matches**: - The five-match T20I series against New Zealand will commence on January 21, 2026, and will be crucial for the team's preparations ahead of the T20 World Cup [https://www.rediff.com/cricket/report/bishnoi-iyer-added-to-india-squad-for-nz-t20s/20260116.htm]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Injury Details**: - Washington Sundar's injury was diagnosed as a side strain, which has been a recurring issue for him, impacting his availability for key matches [https://www.khaleejtimes.com/sports/indias-washington-sundar-ruled-out-of-new-zealand-t20-series]. - Tilak Varma's side strain will prevent him from participating in the first three matches, necessitating Iyer's inclusion [https://www.indiatvnews.com/sports/cricket/shreyas-iyer-ravi-bishnoi-added-to-india-s-t20i-squad-for-new-zealand-series-washington-sundar-ruled-out-2026-01-16-1026214]. - **Player Performance**: - Shreyas Iyer has been a consistent performer in T20 formats, and his return is anticipated to strengthen the batting lineup [https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/shreyas-iyer-ravi-bishnoi-return-to-india-t20i-squad-for-new-zealand-series-as-replacements-for-tilak-sundar-101768577590857.html]. - Ravi Bishnoi's last T20I appearance was nearly a year ago, and his selection indicates the selectors' confidence in his abilities to perform under pressure [https://khelnow.com/cricket/ind-vs-nz-is-selecting-ravi-bishnoi-good-decision-202601]. ### Conclusion: Strategic Reinforcements Ahead of a Crucial Series In summary, **India's cricket team is adapting to injury setbacks by incorporating Shreyas Iyer and Ravi Bishnoi into their T20I squad for the series against New Zealand**. This strategic move aims to maintain competitive strength as they prepare for the T20 World Cup. The upcoming matches will not only test the new additions but also provide an opportunity for the team to solidify their lineup and strategies moving forward. 1. **Injury replacements have been made for Sundar and Varma**. 2. **Iyer and Bishnoi's inclusion is a strategic decision**. 3. **The series against New Zealand is critical for team preparation**. These changes reflect the BCCI's proactive approach to managing player fitness and team dynamics as they gear up for significant international competitions [https://www.sentinelassam.com/sports-news/washington-sundar-ruled-out-of-new-zealand-t20i-series].