Ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at home and in Sri Lanka, the India national cricket team is sweating on the fitness of Tilak Verma, who is currently recovering after testicular torsion surgery. He could not play in the New Zealand series due to a stomach injury.
Now, the talented Indian batsman is racing against time, as the defending champions begin their ICC T20 World Cup 2026 campaign against the USA on February 7. Although there are many options to replace Tilak if he fails to recover in time, Shreyas Iyer emerged as the ideal choice.
Simon Doull backs Shreyas Iyer in place of Tilak Verma at No. 3 for ICC T20 World Cup 2026
Recently, former New Zealand fast bowler Simon Doull believed that if Tilak does not recover from his injury in time, then Shreyas Iyer should be India’s first choice at No. 3. Doull believed that Iyer brings the kind of middle-order stability that India will need in the T20 World Cup 2026.
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Simon Doull said on Star Sports, “Shreyas Iyer. A middle-order player, plays spin very well. He doesn’t offer you as much bowling as Tilak can offer you, but he fits in brilliantly.”
Cricket pundits have pointed out that the right-handed batsman’s ability to handle spin and build innings makes him a natural fit. However, Shreyas Iyer does not offer the additional bowling options that Tilak provides.
Well, Shreyas Iyer has already been included in the Indian squad for the ongoing five-match T20I series against New Zealand as Tilak’s replacement. However, Iyer has not played in the first T20I.
Doull urges India to fix Suryakumar Yadav’s batting position
The former New Zealand fast bowler also stressed the importance of giving Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav a fixed batting role instead of constantly shifting him between No. 3 and No. 4. With the emergence of Tilak last year, Suryakumar has been moved around, but Doull feels the Indian captain needs stability.
Suryakumar has been even more destructive at No. 4, and a settled role could allow him to play freely during the middle overs and dominate attacks, with Doull backing him to play in this position, especially after his series of poor T20I numbers.
Hardik Pandya called India’s biggest death over weapon after Jasprit Bumrah
When it comes to bowling in the death overs, Doull names Hardik Pandya as India’s biggest weapon after Jasprit Bumrah, considering his crucial role in India’s 2024 T20 World Cup. In the final, he performed under immense pressure and turned the game with crucial overs.
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His cutters and slower balls have become highly effective, especially on worn surfaces. With over 100 wickets in T20 Internationals and a strong bowling average, Pandya has established himself as a reliable option when it becomes difficult to defend runs in the final overs.
“At the end of the day, one of the biggest
Simon Doull backed Arshdeep Singh as a death over bowler; Sanju Samson supported to open in T20 World Cup 2026
Additionally, Doull also highlighted the importance of Arshdeep Singh, who also played a big role in India’s T20 World Cup win in 2024. The New Zealander feels that Arshdeep, who is now the leading wicket-taker for India in T20I cricket, should be a key part of India’s death bowling plans along with Bumrah and Hardik in the upcoming mega event.
Lastly, Doull has backed Sanju Samson as Abhishek Sharma’s opening partner for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, blocking the possibility of Ishan Kishan returning as the opener.
