Shreyas Iyer or Ishan Kishan? Robin Uthappa Sparks No. 3 Debate Before India vs New Zealand T20I
Former India batter Robin Uthappa has sparked fresh debate ahead of the India vs New Zealand 1st T20I by making a bold claim about India’s batting order. Speaking on team selection, Uthappa said he would like to see Shreyas Iyer bat at No. 3 for India, a suggestion that comes at a time when the team management is actively experimenting with combinations ahead of the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup.
Known for his astute cricketing insights, Uthappa believes India’s middle order could benefit from Iyer’s calm yet impactful batting style, particularly at a crucial position like No. 3. According to him, India need a batter who can stabilise the innings if an early wicket falls, and Iyer’s experience at the international level makes him a strong candidate for the role. His remarks add to the ongoing discussion around how best to balance India’s explosive batting depth with the need for reliability and control.
However, India captain Suryakumar Yadav has already confirmed that Ishan Kishan will bat at No. 3 in the opening match of the T20I series against New Zealand. Kishan’s selection marks his return to international T20 cricket following an impressive domestic season, particularly in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The decision reflects the team management’s strategy to give extended match practice to players likely to feature in India’s T20 World Cup squad.
Kishan’s inclusion at No. 3 also comes in the context of Tilak Varma’s absence due to injury, forcing the team to rethink its batting order. Kishan’s aggressive left-handed batting style brings a different dimension to the middle order, offering both power and versatility against New Zealand’s bowling attack. This selection has its supporters, but Uthappa’s claim underscores the importance of experience and match temperament in high-pressure positions.
The clash of opinions between Uthappa’s preference for Iyer and the team management’s decision to back Kishan highlights a broader challenge for India: finding the perfect balance between experimentation and cohesion. While selectors are keen to test combinations before the World Cup, seasoned voices like Uthappa’s emphasise traditional strengths and reliability in key batting positions.
Beyond the No. 3 debate, India’s playing XI for the first T20I features a promising mix of youth and experience. With power-hitters such as Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson likely to open, followed by established names including Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh and skipper Suryakumar Yadav, the batting lineup appears deep and aggressive. Meanwhile, the bowling attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah, along with Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakaravarthy, looks well-equipped to challenge New Zealand on a typically competitive pitch.
India’s T20I series against New Zealand is significant not only as a bilateral contest but also as a crucial preparatory phase ahead of the global tournament. Selection calls, player roles and on-field performances will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike. Uthappa’s comments add another layer to the strategic discussion, highlighting how even a single batting position can influence team balance.
As cricket fans await the first ball in Nagpur, the debate over India’s No. 3 spot continues, adding an intriguing subplot to an already highly anticipated India vs New Zealand T20I series.
Known for his astute cricketing insights, Uthappa believes India’s middle order could benefit from Iyer’s calm yet impactful batting style, particularly at a crucial position like No. 3. According to him, India need a batter who can stabilise the innings if an early wicket falls, and Iyer’s experience at the international level makes him a strong candidate for the role. His remarks add to the ongoing discussion around how best to balance India’s explosive batting depth with the need for reliability and control.
However, India captain Suryakumar Yadav has already confirmed that Ishan Kishan will bat at No. 3 in the opening match of the T20I series against New Zealand. Kishan’s selection marks his return to international T20 cricket following an impressive domestic season, particularly in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The decision reflects the team management’s strategy to give extended match practice to players likely to feature in India’s T20 World Cup squad.
Kishan’s inclusion at No. 3 also comes in the context of Tilak Varma’s absence due to injury, forcing the team to rethink its batting order. Kishan’s aggressive left-handed batting style brings a different dimension to the middle order, offering both power and versatility against New Zealand’s bowling attack. This selection has its supporters, but Uthappa’s claim underscores the importance of experience and match temperament in high-pressure positions.
The clash of opinions between Uthappa’s preference for Iyer and the team management’s decision to back Kishan highlights a broader challenge for India: finding the perfect balance between experimentation and cohesion. While selectors are keen to test combinations before the World Cup, seasoned voices like Uthappa’s emphasise traditional strengths and reliability in key batting positions.
Beyond the No. 3 debate, India’s playing XI for the first T20I features a promising mix of youth and experience. With power-hitters such as Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson likely to open, followed by established names including Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh and skipper Suryakumar Yadav, the batting lineup appears deep and aggressive. Meanwhile, the bowling attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah, along with Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakaravarthy, looks well-equipped to challenge New Zealand on a typically competitive pitch.
India’s T20I series against New Zealand is significant not only as a bilateral contest but also as a crucial preparatory phase ahead of the global tournament. Selection calls, player roles and on-field performances will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike. Uthappa’s comments add another layer to the strategic discussion, highlighting how even a single batting position can influence team balance.
As cricket fans await the first ball in Nagpur, the debate over India’s No. 3 spot continues, adding an intriguing subplot to an already highly anticipated India vs New Zealand T20I series.
Next Story