While the Indian team has to play a three-match ODI series against New Zealand at home from January 11, after its completion, they have to play a five-match T20 series against the Kiwi team from January 21. Keeping in mind the upcoming T20 World Cup starting from February 7, the T20 series against New Zealand will be very important for Team India.

Tilak Varma has injury issue?

Team India’s squad for the T20 World Cup has been announced, in which the same players will be seen playing in the series against New Zealand as well. Before this, a matter of increasing tension for Team India is coming regarding star player Tilak Verma, in which he is said to be battling injury.

According to a report in the Indian Express, Tilak Varma is currently suffering from an abdominal injury and may decide to undergo surgery, which could take three to four weeks to fully recover. In this case, he would be fully fit before the start of the T20 World Cup 2026, but he could certainly miss the series against New Zealand.

Tilak Verma learned of his injury while playing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy match in Rajkot. Tilak then contacted doctors at the BCCI Center of Excellence in Bengaluru. After examining his scans and other reports, the doctors have recommended surgery, which could take three to four weeks for complete recovery. In this situation, it is unlikely that the BCCI will announce a replacement player for Tilak Verma in the series against New Zealand.

Shreyas Iyer is fully fit

The only good news for Team India ahead of the ODI series against New Zealand is Shreyas Iyer being declared fully fit. The BCCI medical team has declared Iyer fully match-fit for the ODI series against the Kiwis. Prior to this series, Iyer will play in the final league stage match of the Vijay Hazare Trophy between Mumbai and Himachal Pradesh, after which he will be part of the squad for the ODI series.