![SKY chooses India's new no. 3 between Ishan and Iyer [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1768912344424_IshanKishanShreyasIyerINDvsNZT20I.jpg?type=hq)
SKY chooses India's new no. 3 between Ishan and Iyer [Source: AFP]
Captain Suryakumar Yadav has confirmed that Ishan Kishan will play as India's number three batter in the absence of Tilak Varma in the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand. Led by Suryakumar, India will face New Zealand in the first T20I of the series on Wednesday, January 21, at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Jamtha, Nagpur. Ahead of the opening encounter, Suryakumar has confirmed Ishan Kishan's comeback to India's T20I setup, with the Men in Blue set to pick him over Shreyas Iyer as Tilak Varma's replacement.
Not Shreyas Iyer! Ishan Kishan to bat at 3 for India in New Zealand T20Is
Stylish left-handed batter Tilak Varma was a part of the India squad for the T20I series against New Zealand. However, he underwent surgery after being diagnosed with a testicular torsion. The untimely health setback sidelined him from the first three matches, with India recalling Shreyas Iyer as his replacement.
Although Iyer got a well-deserved T20I recall on the back of two outstanding IPL seasons, the Mumbaikar will warm the bench, at least in the first couple of matches, as India are going to prefer Ishan Kishan over him as their number three batter.
Notably, Ishan made a T20I comeback for the New Zealand series as well as the T20 World Cup 2026 after enjoying stellar success in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he led Jharkhand to the title. As he is a part of India's T20 World Cup plans, the Men in Blue want Ishan to get ample game time and prepare himself for the marquee event amid Tilak's injury woes.
"Ishan will play at No. 3. He is part of the World Cup squad and deserves to play," Suryakumar Yadav told the media in the pre-match press conference.
On the other hand, Shreyas Iyer had a forgettable ODI series against New Zealand, managing only 60 runs across three innings at an abysmal average of 20. So, considering his form and the fact that he's not a part of India's T20 World Cup squad, the Men in Blue have decided to keep him as Ishan's backup.
Ishan Kishan vs Shreyas Iyer: Who has a better T20I record at 3?
Ishan Kishan has played four T20Is at number three, amassing 114 runs at an average of 28.50 and a strike rate of 134.12. On the other hand, Shreyas Iyer has featured in 19 T20Is at the position, scoring 530 runs at an average of 35.33 and a strike rate of 133.17. Therefore, statistically, Iyer has been more consistent at number three for India in T20Is. However, Ishan, being a left-handed batter, has the edge over his competitor as Tilak Varma's like-for-like replacement.
India vs New Zealand T20I series 2026 schedule
India will face New Zealand in five T20Is between January 21 and 31. The inaugural game will be played in Nagpur, with the subsequent matches taking place in Raipur, Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, and Thiruvananthapuram.
