Team India star Shreyas Iyer displayed his spin-hitting skills during the net session ahead of the fifth T20I against New Zealand. The right-hander smashed wrist-spinner Ravi Bishnoi for a powerful six straight down the ground at the Greenfield International Stadium on the eve of the match.
Iyer remains part of the squad while Tilak Varma recovers from injury but has not yet featured in the series. He was overlooked for the fourth T20I in Vizag, even with Ishan Kishan ruled out due to a minor niggle.
The 31-year-old had also put in extended practice in Vizag, focusing on short-pitched deliveries, as he continues preparing for India’s final game before the 2026 T20 World Cup. It’s worth noting that he will not be part of the World Cup squad.
In the nets, Shreyas Iyer showed patience against Bishnoi’s floated delivery, sending it flying straight over the bowler’s head for a six. You can watch the video here:
Shreyas Iyer, Sanju Samson, and Ishan Kishan practicing together in Thiruvananthapuram ahead of the IND vs NZ 5th T20I.
Do you think Shreyas Iyer should get a chance in the playing XI? pic.twitter.com/iwq1xejgvM
— Sonu (@Cricket_live247) January 31, 2026
In the nets, wicket-keeper batters Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan were also seen practicing together as the team management faces a tricky choice for the opening slot. Samson worked on his shots with a throwdown specialist, while Kishan executed a beautiful flick over fine leg off a net bowler’s delivery.
Team India Gear Up For Last Match Before T20 World Cup 2026
Suryakumar Yadav and his team have enjoyed an almost perfect lead-up to the tournament over the past six months, securing series victories against New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia, in addition to winning the 2025 Asia Cup.
Now, they face a dilemma between trying out new strategies and giving players rest, versus fielding their first-choice XI in their final match before the World Cup. India has been rotating their playing XI frequently in the current series, which they have already clinched by winning the first three matches.
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