Archive · 21 Jan 2026
Ishan Kishan Named India's No. 3 Batter
Ishan Kishan will bat at number 3 for India in the first T20I against New Zealand.
This is because Tilak Varma, who usually bats at number 3, is injured.
Suryakumar Yadav, the captain, said Kishan deserves this chance because he has been doing well in domestic cricket and is part of India's T20 World Cup team.
Kishan has not played for India in a long time, but he did really well in a recent domestic tournament.
The captain also said he will keep batting the way he always does, even though he has been struggling with his form.
The series against New Zealand is important because it is the last chance for India to prepare for the T20 World Cup.
Ishan Kishan will bat at number 3 for India in the first T20I against New Zealand, replacing the injured Tilak Varma.
Kishan's inclusion is due to his strong performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and his selection in India's T20 World Cup squad.
Suryakumar Yadav, the Indian captain, confirmed Kishan's position, stating that he deserves the opportunity ahead of Shreyas Iyer.
Kishan has not played for India since November 2023 but has been performing well in domestic cricket.
Suryakumar Yadav will continue to bat at his usual position and will only move to number 3 if the match situation demands it.
- Who
- Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Shreyas Iyer
- What
- Ishan Kishan named India's number 3 batter for the first T20I against New Zealand
- When
- January 21, 2026
- Where
- Nagpur, India
- Why
- Tilak Varma is injured, and Kishan is part of India's T20 World Cup squad
Ishan Kishan's Selection
Shreyas Iyer's Exclusion
Batting Position
Ishan Kishan's Selection
Ishan Kishan deserves the No. 3 spot due to his strong domestic performance and selection in the T20 World Cup squad.
Shreyas Iyer's Exclusion
Shreyas Iyer, despite being in the squad, was not chosen for the No. 3 position.
- Player
- Ishan Kishan
- Position
- Number 3 Batter
- Opponent
- New Zealand
- Match Date
- January 21, 2026
- Venue
- Nagpur, India
- Tournament
- T20 World Cup Preparation Series
- Last India Appearance
- November 2023
- Domestic Performance
- 517 runs in 10 innings, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
- Suryakumar Yadav's Form
- 218 runs in 2025, average 13.62, strike rate 123.16
Sources
Ishan Kishan to play for India in first T20I against New Zealand
Not Shreyas Iyer! Suryakumar Yadav Reveals 27-Year-Old Will Replace Tilak Varma At Number Three For India
Not Suryakumar Yadav! Team India Names New No. 3 Batter Right Ahead Of T20 World Cup
IND vs NZ, 1st T20I: Skipper Suryakumar confirms Ishan Kishan at number 3
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India vs New Zealand, 1st T20I: Ishan Kishan’s return after a long period in wilderness adds intrigue with World Cup round the corner
India vs New Zealand 1st T20 Playing 11: Kuldeep Yadav set to miss out, Ishan Kishan to play as No.3
IND vs NZ 1st T20 cricket match today: Ishan Kishan returns; when and where to watch; live-streaming details
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