Tilak, who is a key part of India’s side in the shortest format ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, suffered an abdominal injury and underwent surgery earliert his month. He has been ruled out of the first three games, with India hoping that he returns to the squad for the last two games.
However, Suryakumar revealed that Tilak’s absence will not mean a chance for Shreyas at number three. Instead, he stated that Ishan Kishan will take up the spot. The wicketkeeper was picked in the T20 World Cup squad in a surprise move as Sanju Samson’s backup and will play his first game for India in 785 days.
Suryakumar stated Ishan deserves to play as he is part of the squad for the T20 World Cup. Shreyas has not been picked in India’s squad for the mega event despite being the vice-captain of the ODI side.
“Yes, Ishan will play at No.3. He’s part of our World Cup plans, and we’ve picked him in the squad. He hasn’t played for India for a long time, but he’s been doing well in domestic cricket. He hasn’t played for India for about a year or more, so he deserves this opportunity. If it was about No.4 or No.5, the situation might have been different. But unfortunately, Tilak isn’t available, and I think Ishan is the best option at No.3,” said Suryakumar in the pre-match conference.
Interestingly, Shreyas and Ishan were exiled from the Indian team at the same time in early 2024 after being stripped of their BCCI contract. Shreyas has played ODI cricket since then and has even been named as Shubman Gill’s deputy after playing a key role in the Champions Trophy victory. However, Kishan has not had a chance in any format.