![Shreyas Iyer in Sri Lanka [Source: @kapildevtamkr, @OneCricketApp/x]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1771057060150_ShreyasIyer.jpg?type=hq)
Shreyas Iyer in Sri Lanka [Source: @kapildevtamkr, @OneCricketApp/x]
Shreyas Iyer has surprised one-and-all by landing in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Notably, the charismatic Indian batter arrived in the Sri Lankan commercial capital on Saturday, February 14, i.e., just a day prior to the blockbuster India vs Pakistan match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
Shreyas Iyer, a veteran of 51 T20Is and one of the greats of IPL, was excluded from Team India squad for the showpiece event. Moreover, the 31-year-old Indian batter has not played a single T20I for India since December 2023.
Shreyas Iyer arrives in Sri Lanka for India vs Pakistan match
Shreyas Iyer has arrived in Sri Lanka just a day prior to the blockbuster India vs Pakistan Group A match of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. While several fans initially perceived the cricketer’s sudden arrival in Colombo as his possible return to the Indian XI, the prolific right-handed batter is merely in the city to catch the action live as a spectator.
Upon arriving in Colombo, Shreyas Iyer also posed for selfies with some fans, as per several pictures circulating on social media. Although social media is abuzz with chatter around injuries to Indian players, Iyer's arrival has not been linked to an injury in the Indian squad.
The match between India and Pakistan will be hosted by the iconic R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, February 15. The action is scheduled to commence from 7:00 PM IST onwards. The match marks the third respective Group A outing for both sides this tournament.
Shreyas snub still a mystery
With Team India getting plagued with several injury and form concerns in the lead up to the ICC T20 World Cup 2026; several fans and cricket experts called for the inclusion of Shreyas Iyer. However, the BCCI selection committee once again overlooked Iyer, even though the 31-year-old is currently one of the most prolific run-makers in IPL cricket.
Even in 51 T20I matches for India, the right-hander has aggregated 1,104 runs at an astonishing strike rate of 136.12, plundering eight half-centuries in the process. Nonetheless, he played the last of those 51 matches back in December 2023 during India’s home series against Australia. As of now, Shreyas is a regular member of India squad only in ODIs.
Team India looks to make it three in three
Team India is currently placed at the top of the Group A points table of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. Under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, the defending champions overcame a spirited USA side by 29 runs on February 7 in Mumbai.
The Indian team also ravaged Namibia by 93 runs in Delhi earlier this week. Holding a formidable NRR of 3.050, another win over Pakistan at this stage of the tournament will pretty much confirm a top spot for the ‘Men in Blue’ on the five-team Group A standings.
It is worth noting that Team India is currently on an eight-match winning streak against their arch-rivals across all formats. India’s last defeat against Pakistan occurred way back in September 2022 in Dubai during the Asia Cup 2022.
