India’s T20 plans have suffered a bit of a blow just ahead of preparations for the final ICC T20 World Cup 2026, and Aakash Chopra thinks the answer is very simple. With Tilak Verma ruled out of the start of the upcoming five-match T20 series against New Zealand due to an abdominal injury, Chopra said the Men in Blue already have an “automatic” replacement available.
Aakash Chopra pushes Shreyas Iyer’s T20I comeback due to Tilak Verma’s injury
Cricket pundit believes that India should bring Shreyas Iyer straight back into the T20I squad without any second thought for the upcoming T20I series against the Black Caps. Tilak’s injury has created a gap in the middle order at a time when the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 is around the corner.
Noting that Chopra feels this is not the time to experiment or reshuffle the batting order, he said that the team already has enough openers and there is no need to push anyone new at the top, and Shreyas Iyer fits the bill perfectly in the middle-order role.
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The former Indian batsman further added that Iyer is experienced, understands pressure situations and is already in good form. Notably, Iyer has already played 51 T20 matches for India and scored over 1100 runs, besides establishing himself as one of the best batsmen in the IPL.
He fits the bill, and Shreyas Iyer gets my vote: Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra said in a video posted on He fits the bill, and Shreyas Iyer gets my vote.”
Chopra also pointed out that players like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad are all opening batsmen and the team does not need them right now. India need someone who can organize the innings, control the middle overs and be a strong finisher and Chopra feels Iyer is the best option.
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Chopra made a strong case for Iyer’s return
The commentator further added, “India don’t need an opener, they need a middle-order batsman.” However, he admitted that there are other options like Riyan Parag and Jitesh Sharma available for the middle-order role, but he would still go with Iyer.
Chopra said, “Ryan Parag can also be a candidate. He was part of the T20 team earlier and can also bowl. If India are looking for a multi-skilled player, Parag can be that person. But my vote is for Shreyas Iyer. I will keep Parag at No. 2. Jitesh Sharma may have an outside chance, although India do not need three wicketkeepers.”
Notably, the BCCI confirmed that Tilak Verma had undergone surgery for a stomach problem in Rajkot on January 7. He was discharged the next day and his condition is stable. The star batsman will return to Hyderabad on Friday (January 9).
