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India’s T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav has suggested that Ishan Kishan is likely to be preferred over Shreyas Iyer for the No. 3 batting position in the upcoming T20 International against New Zealand, citing team balance and long-term planning.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference ahead of the first T20I in Nagpur on Tuesday, Suryakumar said Kishan remains a key part of India’s T20 World Cup plans and therefore deserves a run of consistent opportunities.

Although Kishan has not featured in international cricket for nearly 18 months, the Indian skipper highlighted the left-hander’s strong performances in domestic cricket during that period as a major factor behind his recall.

With Tilak Varma ruled out due to injury, a slot has opened up in India’s top order. Suryakumar explained that Kishan is a like-for-like replacement, given his left-handed batting style, making him a natural fit at No. 3.

He also pointed out that Kishan’s previous inclusion in India’s T20 World Cup squad strengthens his case for the role.

Suryakumar added that the team’s approach might have been different had the vacancy been at No. 4 or No. 5, but under the current team combination and circumstances, Kishan is the preferred option.

Kishan last played a T20 International for India against Australia on November 28, 2023. After an extended absence from the national side, his consistent domestic form has earned him another opportunity.

The New Zealand series is India’s final T20 assignment before the T20 World Cup, making it a crucial platform for Kishan to secure his place in the squad.

Suryakumar also addressed questions about his own recent form, acknowledging that he has not been at his best but stressing that individual performances take a back seat to team success.

“Cricket is a team game,” he said, adding that collective efforts will be key to delivering positive results rather than individual milestones.