India have suffered a potential setback ahead of the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand, with middle-order batter Tilak Varma sidelined due to an abdominal injury. The left-hander’s participation in the series now appears unlikely, while his availability for the T20 World Cup 2026 remains uncertain.
Tilak, who has been a regular member of India’s T20 setup over the past year, sustained the injury while representing Hyderabad in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in Rajkot. According to a report by The Indian Express, the discomfort worsened following medical assessments, after which doctors at the Centre of Excellence (COE) in Bengaluru advised him to undergo surgery.
Medical sources indicate that the procedure would require a recovery period of three to four weeks, effectively ruling him out of the full T20I series against New Zealand. The timeline also raises concerns for India’s T20 World Cup preparations, with the team scheduled to begin their campaign on February 7 against the USA.
Tilak Varma has emerged as a key middle-order presence for India, particularly noted for his performances during the Asia Cup last year, where he played a decisive role in the title-winning campaign, including a match-defining half-century in the final against Pakistan.
Selection Headache for India Ahead of T20 World Cup
If Tilak proceeds with surgery, the Indian selectors may need to reassess their squad composition. His absence would leave a significant gap in the middle order, prompting renewed discussions around alternative options.
Players such as Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer, who were not part of the initial plans, could return to contention, while Riyan Parag may also be considered as a potential replacement. With a major ICC event approaching, the selection committee is expected to balance experience, recent form, and team combination flexibility.
Since making his T20I debut in August 2023, Tilak has been one of India’s most consistent performers in the format. In 40 T20 internationals, he has amassed 1,183 runs at an impressive average of 49.29 and a strike rate of 144.09, including two centuries and six half-centuries. He has also contributed with the ball, picking up three wickets through part-time bowling.
India’s team management is expected to closely monitor his recovery before taking a final call on his World Cup participation.
