Shreyas Iyer Hints at India Playing XI Changes for 3rd T20I After Prince Yadav Injury Scare

India captain Shreyas Iyer has suggested that the team management could make changes to the playing XI for the third and final T20I against Zimbabwe after fast bowler Prince Yadav suffered an injury during the second match of the series.

India sealed the three-match T20I series with a dominant 90-run victory over Zimbabwe in Harare, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead. The visitors posted a massive 219/5 thanks to brilliant knocks from Ishan Kishan (81) and Tilak Varma (60 not out) before bowling Zimbabwe out for 129.

Prince Yadav Injury Forces India to Consider Changes

While the result was overwhelmingly positive for India, the injury to Prince Yadav emerged as a concern. The right-arm pacer impressed with two wickets but was forced to leave the field after appearing to suffer a hamstring problem during his spell.

Yadav immediately grabbed his hamstring during his run-up and could not continue, raising doubts over his availability for the final T20I.

Speaking after the match, Iyer confirmed that the injury could force India to alter their combination.

“One of our players got injured unfortunately, so you might see a few changes tomorrow,” Iyer said during the post-match presentation.

Prince Yadav’s Unfortunate Twist

The injury is particularly unfortunate for Prince Yadav, who was himself drafted into the squad as a replacement for injured pacer Harshit Rana. Depending on the severity of the hamstring issue, Yadav could now face a spell on the sidelines as India monitors his recovery.

Team management is expected to assess the pacer’s fitness before deciding on the playing XI for the final match of the series.

India Dominate Zimbabwe to Seal Series

India produced a complete performance in the second T20I to secure the series. After losing early wickets, Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma rescued the innings with a crucial partnership that powered India past the 200-run mark.

Kishan smashed 81 off 44 balls, while Tilak remained unbeaten on 60 from just 29 deliveries. Their aggressive batting helped India add valuable runs in the final overs and set Zimbabwe a daunting target of 220.

In reply, Zimbabwe never recovered after losing wickets at regular intervals. Debutant Prince Yadav struck early before Abhishek Sharma starred with the ball, claiming 3/17. India eventually bowled out the hosts for 129 in 17.5 overs.

Iyer Registers First T20I Series Win as Captain

The victory marked an important milestone for Shreyas Iyer, who secured his first T20I bilateral series win as India’s captain. The skipper praised his players for maintaining a positive approach and making the most of their opportunities.

“It’s all about the attitude. Don’t dwell too much on previous performances. Stay in the present and maximise every opportunity you get,” Iyer said.

With the series already won, India could use the third T20I to test their bench strength and give opportunities to players waiting on the sidelines, especially if Prince Yadav is ruled out due to injury.