Aakash Chopra on Tilak Varma’s replacement for IND vs NZ T20I series: ‘Who can it be? Shreyas Iyer. ‘Sarpanch’ sahab should be picked automatically’

Shreyas Iyer in action. (FILE photo)

Indian cricketer Tilak Varma has suffered abdomen injury ahead of the T20I series against New Zealand. Earlier this publication reported that Tilak was in Rajkot playing the Vijay Hazare Trophy when he felt a pain in the abdomen after breakfast on Wednesday morning, and it is unlikely that Shubman Gill, India’s Test and ODI captain, would be considered. Former Indian cricketer suggested that with Tilak missing the first three T20Is, it opens the door to bringing in Shreyas Iyer in the side.

“Who can it be? Shreyas Iyer. ‘Sarpanch’ sahab should be picked automatically. He is already playing well and scored in the Vijay Hazare Trophy too. Even when Iyer was not picked in the Asia Cup, it felt slightly unfair, but it was understandable. But there is an opportunity for a middle-order role here. He is also an experienced player and set the IPL on fire. He fits the bill, and Shreyas Iyer gets my vote,” Chopra said on his Twitter account.

Tilak Verma is injured and could even miss out on the T20 World Cup. Who could replace him in the squad? Here are my picks. What’s yours? #cricketpic.twitter.com/ap0CwWYCki

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 8, 2026

“Tilak faced severe pain in his abdomen today (Wednesday). He was rushed to a hospital in Rajkot, where various scans were done, and reports were sent to doctors at the COE,” a source in the Indian board confirmed.

“Doctors have advised him to undergo surgery, which will take three to four week for him to recover. Chances of playing the entire T20I against New Zealand looks bleak,” he added. India would be more worried about his availability for the T20 World Cup that begins on February 7. India’s opening game, against the USA, is scheduled the same day.

Chopra would also give a left-field selection of including Assam cricketer Riyan Parag in: “Riyan Parag could also be one candidate and he was part of the T20I side before. He can also bowl and if India is looking for an all-rounder or multi-skilled player, Riyan Parag could be that guy. But my vote is for Shreyas Iyer. I would place Parag at No.2. Jitesh Sharma might have an outside chance. But again, India does not need an opener, so no Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, India need a middle-order batter and Jitesh was part of the side recently. But India also don’t need three keepers in the squad. So, I would suggest to not look too far and pick Iyer.”