"Who can it be?..."- Aakash Chopra names potential replacement of Tilak Varma in T20Is vs New Zealand
The former Indian opening batter and the renowned commentator, Aakash Chopra, has named the potential replacement of Tilak Varma heading into the upcomig T20I series against New Zealand at home.
The left-handed middle-order batter of the Indian side, Tilak Varma’s injury ahead of the home T20I series against New Zealand and the forthcoming T20 World Cup 2026 has put the BCCI in a tough position. The southpaw is India’s second leading run-getter in the shortest format after Abhishek Sharma since the beginning of 2025.
In that case, the former Indian opener, Aakash Chopra, has suggested the name of Shreyas Iyer as Varma’s replacement. He also reckoned that Shubman Gill is likely not get his chance, having struggled with the bat in the last few T20I series.
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“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.” Chopra expressed on his Twitter account.
Aakash Chopra names Shreyas Iyer as Tilak Varma’s T20I replacement
Iyer, who has collected 1104 runs in 47 T20I innings at a strike rate of 136.12 with eight fifties, has dominated the IPL 2025 for the Punjab Kings with 604 runs in 17 innings at a strike rate of 175.07, thanks to six half-centuries at the best score of unbeaten 97 runs.
“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.” Chopra shed light.
“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. Doctors have advised him to undergo surgery, which will take three to four weeks for him to recover. Chances of playing the entire T20I against New Zealand look bleak.” The reports of the Indian Express address.
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