India outclassed New Zealand in the third T20I, securing an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series on Sunday, but that did not stop Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube from honing their skills after the match.
The star all-rounders were out in the middle, smashing sixes and practising their power-hitting as the post-match presentation was underway at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) posted a video of Hardik and Shivam hitting sixes on social media.
“Hard work doesn’t take a break. Focus on from Team India players in the nets right after a big win,” read the caption.
Watch:
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#TeamIndia players in the nets right after a big win 💪#INDvNZ | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/l7s3XmhzJD
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 26, 2026
India Beat New Zealand
Abhishek Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav struck impressive fifties, leading India to their eight-wicket win over New Zealand. Opting to field, Jasprit Bumrah (3/17) was the standout bowler with three wickets, while Hardik Pandya (2/23), spinner Ravi Bishnoi (2/18), and Harshit Rana (1/35) also bowled effectively to restrict New Zealand to 153-8. In response, India chased down the target in 10 overs, scoring 155 for 2, thanks to Abhishek’s rapid 68 off 20 balls and skipper Suryakumar Yadav’s 57 off 26 balls.
No Tilak For 4th And 5th T20Is
India’s consistent No. 3, Tilak Varma, has not yet regained full match fitness and will be absent from the squad for the final two T20Is against New Zealand in Visakhapatnam and Thiruvananthapuram. Tilak, recovering from abdominal surgery, is at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Although he was expected to join the squad for the last two games, his replacement, Shreyas Iyer, has been asked to remain with the team.
Also Read: Shreyas Iyer Stays Put As Tilak Varma Comeback Delay Reshapes India T20I Plans
“India batter Tilak Varma has resumed physical training and is making steady progress with his rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. However, he will require additional time to regain full match fitness and will not be available for the final two T20Is of the ongoing five-match T20I series,” secretary Devajit Saikia was quoted as saying in a media release.
“Tilak will link up with the squad in Mumbai once he has regained full match fitness on February 3, ahead of India’s warm-up match for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The Men’s Selection Committee has recommended that Shreyas Iyer will continue as Tilak Varma’s replacement for the remaining matches,” the release further stated.
(With inputs from Agencies)
